The national government is committed to feeding its hungry population in the worst-hit areas by drought, following the flagging off of tens of trucks carrying relief assorted items to different destinations around the country in recent weeks.
Speaking at the national centre for controlling the distribution and logistics for the relief programme, State Department for Social Protection Principal Secretary (PS) Nelson Marwa assured Kenyans that everything possible will be done as the government tries to reach out to everyone adversely affected by the drought.
“I can assure you that the government is doing its best to reach the most affected households around the country,” said Marwa.
The PS added that officials from his department and other stakeholders are now leaving their offices to ensure that the relief program is seamless, effective and impactful in the severely affected counties.
“As you can see, we have left offices to be at the forefront of ensuring the program goes on as planned and that those who are most affected get timely relief,” he said.
In Taita Taveta, Mwatate Sub-County was the first to flag off a relief food convoy to reach various parts that are hit by hunger and water scarcity.
Leading the flagging off, Mwatate’s Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Margaret Mwaniki reiterated the commitment of the national government to feed the hungry as it looks for a long-term solution to the food situation in the country.
“There is the will from the national government to feed and support the hungry Kenyans as the state tries to find long-term solutions to food security in this nation,” said Mwaniki.
The administrator urged chiefs and local leaders to be vigilant in their areas of jurisdiction to ensure that the relief food reaches the most vulnerable groups in local communities.
“Chiefs and local leaders must be vigilant in ensuring the distribution of the relief food reaches the most vulnerable targeted groups within the community,” she said.
The first consignment of assorted relief items comprised 1600 bags of rice and 640 bags of beans destined for the remote and severely affected areas within the county.
Also present during the flagging-off event was Taita Taveta County Deputy Governor, Christine Saru Kilalo who called for partnership with the national and county governments, and the private sector in efforts to ensure that no one dies of hunger.
“I call upon partnerships with both the national and county government, and private sector players to save those in dire need of food relief,” said Kilalo.
The relief efforts by the national government come at a time when the nation is going through the worst drought in recent years.
The hope for an end to this weather problem is now anchored on the start of the short rains later this month as well as the short and long-term initiatives by the national government to make Kenya a food-secure nation.
By Arnold Linga Masila
