Tens of households in Kajiado can now put food on their table as the National Government has distributed relief food to feed the starving residents.
The starving families gathered at Ildamat chief’s camp to receive 5kg of rice and 5kg of beans each.
The whole of last year, the county experienced prolonged drought that resulted to loss of livestock which is their main source of livelihood hence the relief food came in handy for families who were sleeping hungry.
Millicent Onyango, a resident of Ildala Lekutuk, thanked the government for remembering them in these tough economic times and is happy that her family will not sleep hungry albeit for a few days.
“I thank the government because today we have received food to feed our kids. We did not expect this or know if we would receive food, we thank God for the little we have received, my kids will now eat when they come from school,” said Millicent.
The food distribution activity that kicked off in the morning was conducted by various chiefs in the area.
Majengo assistant Chief, Joel Sapurr said that more food needs to be donated since the county has a larger population facing starvation.
“Kajiado is a big town with a high population, the food we had is finished. We have distributed food in every part of Kajiado even in schools. We are yet to receive an official communication from the government concerning school feeding programme,” Joel Sapur.
As some families return home smiling and grateful to the National Government, a number of families returned home heart broken.
“There has been an ongoing food distribution in this area, some were lucky to receive rice and beans but most of us unfortunately did not receive anything. We are hungry and we are asking the government to bring more food that is enough,” echoed Hannah Abdi.
Agnes Njeri, a resident of Majengo, said she was on the food ration queue since 8.00 a.m. but she was yet to receive food.
“Where is this food being distributed, we came here early in the morning and since then we have not received food. We were told to line up and wait for the food then all of a sudden, we were told the food was over, we have kids we cannot push each other so we are wondering what to do,” said Agnes.
Geoffrey Opiyo, was working when he heard about the relief food but as soon as he arrived at the gate, he heard people saying there is no food.
“I heard from people saying there is no food. I would ask the government to bring more food, the prices of food stuffs are high there are people who cannot afford a meal so the government should help us.”
Kajiado County has had recurrent drought seasons and pastoralists have lost most of their livestock which was their main source of livelihood.
Starvation is rampant in the urban and rural parts of the county and most people depend on relief food from donors and the government.
By Seline Nyangere and Sammy Rayiani
