Homa-Bay County government in collaboration with Members of Parliament (MPs) from the area has established a Covid-19 emergency response fund to support vulnerable families on the adverse effects of Coronavirus pandemic.
The emergency fund dubbed Covid -19 Homa-Bay response account, has been established after a virtual meeting convened by Governor Cyprian Awiti and the area MPs to help in the fight against the virus.
The emergency fund will be overseen by Eng. Ken Onditi and its membership drawn from elected leaders, religious leaders, business community and professionals hailing from the region.
Speaking to KNA, Governor Awiti reiterated that the funds will be used for purchasing solid foodstuff such as maize, rice, beans, cooking oil, sugar for vulnerable families in readiness should the pandemic persist.
Awiti further revealed that the county government had already contributed Sh2 million to the kitty and other MPs have also committed their contributions to the account.
At the same time, Awiti added that they have also purchased 200 bags of dry maize which has been kept in reserve and that they are intending to purchase a total of 1000 bags of maize to assist the residents.
The governor said that his office is working closely with the county commissioner to identify all the vulnerable families in the region so that they can have their records before they start the distribution of food.
The County boss further reiterated that the virtual meeting will be held fortnightly to review the progress and called upon professionals and other well-wishers to join hands in combating the spread of the virus and help vulnerable families.
He also challenged the residents to venture into farming activities rather than waiting for humanitarian aid from both the National and county governments.
By Dan Oduor and Davis Langat
