Laikipia County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri has called on well-wishers to give relief donations to famine-stricken residents in the area.
Speaking to KNA on Monday after he witnessed food distribution to residents of Nanyuki town by a well-wisher, the administrator urged the private sector and religious organisations to chip in and assist the government in providing relief food to those in need.
“It’s important we have concerted efforts from all quarters in feeding the hungry. Let’s not leave everything to the government,” Kanyiri said.
The County Commissioner noted that 183,000 residents in the county are currently faced with starvation and urgently need relief food following prolonged drought after failed rains for more than two years.
Last week, the spouse of the Deputy President Mrs. Dorcas Rigathi flagged off a consignment of relief food that was distributed to over 500 households in Solio settlement scheme in Laikipia central sub-county.
The beneficiaries of the relief food got 10 kilograms of maize floor, five kilograms of rice, 5 litres of cooking oil, and five kilograms of beans each.
Speaking to residents, Mrs. Gachagua said the Kenya Kwanza administration was keen on addressing the drought situation in the country.
“There are efforts by both the National and county governments in place to ensure no one dies due to hunger,” said Mrs. Rigathi.
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu who also graced the relief food distribution exercise said that his administration had set aside Sh. 20 million of its budget to mitigate the famine situation in the area and his government was also soliciting further assistance from the private sector.
“We are still soliciting resources to feed our people, especially now that we are experiencing drought. We will not allow our people to die of hunger,” said Irungu.
By Martin Munyi
