The Catholic Church wants the government to use a multi sectoral approach in addressing the famine ravaging the country.
Speaking at St. Teresa of the Child Jesus parish in Nanyuki on Tuesday, Nyeri Diocese Archbishop Antony Muheria said, involving faith-based organizations in tackling calamities like famine would ensure all the affected people benefit and at the same time enhance efficiency.
“We welcome the government’s response and we appreciate they have made many strides, but we asking them to use the multi sectoral way.
Include other faith-based organizations so that we can ensure food reaches everyone. Working with us can be more efficient,” said Archbishop Muheria.
The prelate further pointed out that the church working in partnership with government would further eliminate unscrupulous people who take advantage of food shortages and divert donations for their own selfish gain.
Archbishop Muheria also presided over the distribution of relief food worth Sh1 million donated by Safaricom foundation through Pamoja Tuungane initiative to 200 hunger stricken families in Laikipia.
He urged well-wishers to chip in with humanitarian assistance for those affected by famine.
Safaricom Mpesa Foundation Executive Director Ms. Karen Basiye said the donations in their resource basket were contributions from their businesses partners and Kenyans of goodwill.
She noted that Pamoja Tuungane Initiative was launched in April and is meant to rally Kenyans to support those suffering from the effects of the prolonged drought in the country.
Laikipia which is among the 23 arid and semi-arid counties affected by drought has an estimated 183,000 families affected by famine according to National Drought Management Authority.
The government recently distributed relief food to 500 households at Solio settlements scheme to cushion the drought stricken.
Livestock farmers also benefitted from animal feeds worth Sh4.5 million and at the same time, the state promised to sink. boreholes across the county with six months.
Earlier, Laikipia governor Joshua Irungu said that the County will set aside Sh300 million in a supplementary budget for drought mitigation measures.
By Muturi Mwangi
