Turkana County Government on Thursday rolled out relief food distribution in parts of Loima Sub County to benefit residents affected by the current drought.
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai coordinated relief efforts in Lokiriama, Namoruputh, and Lorengippi in Loima Sub-County.
Mr Lomorukai told area residents that his administration was working to avoid the death of any resident due to the ongoing drought.
“This is one of the worst droughts our county has seen in years and we will have to pray to God to provide rain for our livestock to survive. I have asked the county team to distribute enough food which will last residents for a long time,” he said.
The Governor said he was aware that drought was severe across the county, with assessment indicating that over 800,000 residents affected.
Lomorukai said he will continue coordinating relief distribution to ensure residents who are food insecure receive relief food distributed by the County Government.
The county boss said his administration will end cases of misappropriation of funds set aside for emergency response.
“As I had promised during the campaigns, the era of people mismanaging relief food meant for residents has ended. Now all relief food procured will get to the people,” the Governor said.
He said that elections are now over and added it was time for all elected leaders to deliver on their mandates pledging to support leaders elected from MCA to MPs regardless of political affiliations.
The Governor reiterated that he was ready to work with President William Ruto to guarantee that development projects from the National Government benefited the county.
On cross-border peace, Governor Lomorukai informed residents of the agreement between Turkana and Karamojong communities to support measures by the Kenya and Uganda governments to improve security.
He asked pastoralists to adhere to a directive on disarmament and respect the generosity shown by their brothers in Uganda who have allowed Turkana pastoralists to crossover during droughts in search of pasture and livestock.
County Executive for Public Service, Administration and Disaster Management Jeremiah Namuya echoed the Governor’s sentiments about the county’s commitment to preventing the deaths due to drought.
Other Senior County officials present included, Ag Director for Disaster Risk Management Moses Nawoton, Chief of Staff Peter Yoromoe and area administrators.
By Peter Gitonga
