The Kenya Red Cross Society will be in charge of distributing Sh600, 000 worth relief food donated by government and other partners in Turkana County and neighbouring counties.
The government had settled on the society for its wide presence on the ground and experience over the years of responding to emergencies like drought.
This was revealed during the launch of the relief food distribution exercise and livestock off take programme in Nakaalei, Turkana South Sub County in an event graced by President William Ruto.
Kenya Red Cross Society CEO Dr. Asha Mohammed said the society was always present in communities and was aware of their needs and how best to address them.
“There are those who say things on the ground are different but we are on the ground and we understand how severe the situation is,” she said.
Meanwhile, Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has pledged to support the President in his development agenda.
The Governor who spoke on behalf of Turkana leaders during the launch of relief food distribution exercise in the county assured the President of Turkana leaders’ readiness to work with him for the success of the National Government agenda which he said would also benefit area residents.
“I agree with your Governor that it is time to work for residents and focus on issues of development for citizens of Kenya. We are committed to work together with the County Government to address critical issues including drought,” the President said.
The Governor appreciated the President for the relief support, comprising of relief food and livestock offtake which the Head of State launched.
He at the same time requested the President for more relief food as the crisis was severe, with close to 800,000 residents affected.
Lomorukai expressed optimism that the President would end the banditry menace and assured him that the County Government would continue implementing peace programmes with neighbouring communities and in the cross-border regions.
The current drought facing ASALs counties in Kenya is the worst the region has experienced in the last 40 years.
Governor Lomorukai and other elected leaders from the county received the President. Leaders present included Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus, Senator James Lomenen, MPs Ariko Namoit (Turkana South), Emathe Namuar (Turkana Central), Nicholas Ngikor (Turkana East), Protus Akuja (Loima), Cecelia Ng’itit (Woman Rep) and Ekuwom Nabuin (Turkana North); Speaker of the County Assembly Christopher Nakuleu, among others.
By Peter Gitonga
