National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), today, flagged-off drought response initiative through water trucking to health facilities, schools as well as vaccination of livestock in Tana River County.
NDMA has received Sh3.4 million from the government and support from European Union (EU), to facilitate the drought response which targets Wayu, Kinakomba and Hirimani wards.
There has been migration of livestock to the Tana Delta Sub-county in search of pasture and water.
The campaign targets to vaccinate 100,000 cattle against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), 150,000 goats against Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and 400,000 sheep and goats against Peste des petits (PPR) diseases.
County Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Paul Mwamburi, said plans are underway to conduct joint vaccination exercises with neighbouring counties of Lamu, Kilifi and Garissa to reduce the risk of disease spread.
Tana River Sub-county Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Evans Wendott, appealed to other partners to join hands with NDMA, in responding to the drought.
NDMA Tana River Coordinator, Abdi Musa, said the County is experiencing moderate drought and vegetation condition is worsening. The vegetation index condition is currently 27 which is below the average of 35.
“Decreasing trends in vegetation conditions experienced in the County, all Sub-counties recorded a decrease in vegetation cover. Tana North, Tana Delta and Tana River Sub-counties currently in Moderate drought,” reads NDMA drought early warning bulletin for July.
The Government targets 7,377 vulnerable and poor households through Safety Net Programme who will receive Sh5400 bi-monthly. The registration is at the household level.
By Sadik Hassan
