The Red Cross Society of China has donated Kshs.10 million to the victims of landslide disaster in West Pokot County.
The funds will be utilised to provide the much needed assistance to people in the county who were recently affected by the landslide that killed 50 people.
Speaking during the handing over of the donation cheque to Ministry of Devolution and ASALS, Minister Councilor from China, Sau Jim Yong said that they will continue to support Kenya whenever the country faces challenges particularly those related to disasters.
“This gesture from the Republic of China demonstrates the cordial relations between the two counties and I appeal to other countries to emulate the same by supporting the country when it is experiencing the varied effects of disasters,” said Yong.
Yong added this is just an addition of what they gave earlier, adding that this year China provided 11, 835 metric tons of rice to mitigate the drought situation in the country. The 40, 000 bags of rice were in batches of 50kgs each.
He added that during the FY2017/2018 the Chinese government donated 21, 366 metric tons of rice worth Kshs.2.25 billion as food relief.
Addressing media on Friday in Nairobi when he received the donation Devolution Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa said that they have put in place measures to support both victims of droughts, floods and landslide disasters.
“This donation will go directly to the county government of West Pokot for disbursement to the victims,” said Wamalwa.
He assured Kenyans that they will continue to support those affected by heavy rain which have been experienced in the last two months resulting to floods and landslides in at least 14 counties in Coast, Nyanza and part of Eastern regions.
“The populations affected by drought have been receiving relief food and money. Those affected by floods and landslides have been provided with some food and non- food items. We have supplied 3, 500 iron sheets to those affected by landslides in West Pokot. Those injured have and will continue to receive treatments. The repair of damaged infrastructure and property is ongoing,” said Wamalwa.
By Isaac Wafula
