The National Steering Committee on drought response has scaled up the food distribution in the country with key institutions and stakeholders joining in to pool together to supplement efforts by the Government to mitigate the adverse effects of the protracted drought facing the country.
President William Ruto established the committee in November of 2022 and mandated it to coordinate efforts to raise funds for drought response. Wakenya Tulidane campaign, an initiative by the committee has raised Sh650 million, proceeds donated by Safaricom, Equity Bank and Kenyans of good will to cushion the ravaging effects of drought in vulnerable areas.
Speaking in Mariakani Kilifi County during the distribution exercise, the Chairman of the Committee Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Safaricom Peter Ndegwa said that Wakenya Tulindane programme has so far received overwhelming support from Kenyans from all walks of life including institutions that have helped to actualize the goal of feeding hunger stricken citizens.
“The country has continued to experience prolonged drought that has affected a huge portion of our population. The weatherman has predicted that the rains are due in the next few weeks but before that, we have to ensure we play our part and help Kenyans in need,” said Ndegwa.
Ndegwa noted that approximately 6 million Kenyans have been affected. He added that his committee has started scaling up the distribution to far flung counties that traditionally were not rain deficient but have now been tremendously affected.
He further said that by the end of March, he is optimistic that they will have reached out to at least 1600 families.
“This week, we were able to distribute food in nine counties which we have equated to about 1053 families,” he said.
On water shortage, he said the committee is planning to rehabilitate 360 boreholes in 32 counties in partnership with Kenya Defense Forces and on completion approximately 2 million people will directly benefit from such.
On his part, Kenya Red Cross representative and a committee member Adam Kheri said the Red Cross community will work hand in hand with the committee to support the distribution efforts and will be keen especially where children were involved.
He noted that the programme would also help keep students in school especially in arid and semi-arid areas where their efforts will help augment the school feeding programme.
By Shamim Musa
