The government has pledged to sustain the distribution of relief food to drought-stricken regions until conditions improve, Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has announced.
Speaking in Chuka Saturday, CS Ruku emphasised that the Kenya Kwanza administration has put in place comprehensive measures to ensure no Kenyan succumbs to hunger during the ongoing drought.
He noted that several counties, including Mandera, Turkana, Wajir, Tana River, and Taita-Taveta, are among the hardest hit, with families and livestock facing severe shortages of food and water.
“The Kenya Kwanza government has already secured sufficient food reserves to feed every Kenyan affected by the prevailing drought, as well as their livestock,” said Ruku.
To ensure fair and efficient distribution, the CS explained that National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and other local leaders will oversee the process.
He reassured citizens that the programme will remain continuous and urged them not to be swayed by misinformation from those on the opposition side.
The CS further stressed the importance of long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change, calling on Kenyans to embrace environmental conservation practices, particularly tree planting and landscape restoration, as a way of reducing vulnerability to future droughts.
“As a nation, we must rise to the challenge of climate change. Planting trees in public spaces and on private land is a critical step toward ensuring we do not face similar crises in the future,” he said.
He further revealed that the government is planning major infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing water security and agricultural resilience including the construction of mega dams and the expansion of irrigation schemes through the infrastructure fund.
Such initiatives, he added, will help transform arid and semi-arid lands into productive agricultural zones, reducing dependence on relief food in the long run.
He further urged Kenyans to unite in both short-term and long-term efforts, highlighting that while the government is committed to cushioning citizens during the current crisis, collective responsibility in environmental stewardship is essential for sustainable solutions.
By Dickson Mwiti
