The Government has embarked on distribution of emergency relief food to over 170, 000 people facing food shortage in Kitui County.
Government Spokesperson, Col (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna, flagged-off trucks transporting the government famine relief food from Mwingi Central Sub-County Headquarters to other seven Sub-Counties of Mwingi, in Kitui County.
Speaking at the function, Oguna noted that the food-aid was an additional to cash for food monthly payments, given to vulnerable families in the County.
Oguna said Kitui was among 23 counties in the country facing acute food shortage, due to prolonged drought.
He reiterated government’s commitment to protect citizens facing food shortage in arid and semi-arid areas.
“The government has continuous programmes in place, aimed at helping vulnerable families to enhance their living standards. The programmes include monthly cash transfer of 3,000 shillings for food, Sh2,000 monthly payments through old age protection and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) cash transfer programmes, ” said Oguna.
Through the three programmes, he noted, Mwingi Central Sub-County was receiving over Sh5.7 million monthly.
“In this Mwingi Central Sub-County, there are 1,900 people receiving Sh3,000 monthly for food, while 990 others are on OVC and receives Sh2,000 monthly, ” he said.
He further said that water trucking and livestock off-take programs are on the way if drought persist.
Mwingi Central Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Mr Solomon Komen Chesut, urged area residents to help their hunger stricken neighbours, to ensure no one dies of hunger.
By Denson Mututo
