More than 230, 000 households in Makueni are in dire need of relief food following the prevailing drought, County Commissioner Maalim Mohammed has said.

Maalim said the county had experienced massive crop failure occasioned by poor April-May long rains.

“The yields for the season will be less than the expected harvest which is almost negligible,” said the County Commissioner.

He pointed out Masongaleni, Kalanzoni, Makueni, Nguu, Kiteta, Kathonzweni as some of the worst hit areas in the county.

Maalim however said the government had started giving out relief food to the most vulnerable households as a mitigation measure.

He disclosed that each of the nine sub counties would receive 600 bags of maize, 200 of beans, 50 of rice and 80 cartons of cooking oil in August.

“The food will be given to worst affected families and public schools to curb drop out among learners,” noted the CC.

He was speaking Saturday at Muani primary school grounds during the inauguration of the area chief.

On the forthcoming census, Maalim urged residents to give accurate information.

“Do not give false information or data because it is an offense,” he added and
called on bar owners and operators to close their premises early to give residents ample time to participate in the census.

He assured that the government was prepared for the exercise saying all systems required had been put in place.

“As a county, we have hired 50 ICT supervisors, 470 content supervisors and 2, 756 enumerators. We have also received the census materials and all is set,” said Maalim.

By Roselyne Kavoo