The government has flagged off food stuff to be distributed in the eight sub counties of Narok County in a bid to mitigate effects of the prolonged dry spell in the area.
Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu and County Commissioner Isaac Masinde flagged off 3200 bags of 50 kilograms each of rice and 1280 bags (50 kilograms) of beans that has been given by the State Department of Social Protection and Special Programmes.
Governor Ntutu said a committee on drought mitigation is already in place and has moved around the county to mark locations that are mostly hit by the drought so as to prioritize in the distribution of food.
“We have established that our county is not so much affected like some other counties that are completely dry. However, there are areas in dire need of food,” said Ntutu.
He cautioned residents against selling the food given but instead keep it in their houses to feed their families before the rain begins.
“We have already put people on the ground to monitor those who might sell the food. Anyone involved in looting the relief food will face the full force of law,” reiterated the governor.
Already, he said, there are committees formed at the village level that will help distribute the food to the needy families according to the vulnerability of the family.
On his part, commissioner Masinde said each of the eight sub counties will benefit from 400 bags of rice and 160 bags of beans asking the chiefs and the village elders to ensure the food lands in the right hands.
Masinde said about 115, 000 families in the county and 130, 000 school going children were in dire need of food reiterating that schools in areas affected by drought will also receive the relief food so as to keep the children in school.
“Everyone should be involved in food distribution including politicians, religious leaders, civil society, and non-governmental organizations among others. Let the food be distributed during the day in a transparent and fair manner so as to benefit everyone,” he said.
Also present during the flagging off event was Emurrua Dikir Member of Parliament Johana Ngeno, Narok County Assembly Speaker Davis Dikir and Members of the County assembly of Narok.
By Ann Salaton
