Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has assured Kenyans that the government has sufficient relief food supplies to ensure that no life is lost to hunger during the ongoing drought affecting large parts of the country.
The CS said the government has put in place adequate measures to cushion vulnerable households as drought continues to ravage at least 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties, where an estimated 3.1 million people are currently in urgent need of food assistance.
Speaking during a relief food distribution exercise at Morokani village in Tana North Sub- County, Tana River County, Ruku reiterated the government’s commitment to respond swiftly to households affected by the prolonged dry spell.
“The country is experiencing drought in many areas. At least 23 counties are now affected, but the government has set aside enough relief food to ensure that no life is lost due to lack of food. We are calling upon all National Government Administrative Officers, from assistant chiefs to county commissioners, to provide information on any household affected by drought so that we can release food for them,” Ruku said.
In addition to household food distribution, the CS announced that the government will roll out a nationwide porridge flour programme in public schools beginning next week. The initiative aims to cushion learners from hunger and enhance school attendance and retention during the drought period.
“We have also made arrangements to supply porridge flour to schools across the country. The exercise will commence from Monday next week to ensure our learners remain in school and continue with their studies without disruption caused by hunger,” he added.
Ruku, however, issued a stern warning to public officers involved in relief food distribution, cautioning them against diverting supplies for personal gain or sale.
“This relief food is meant for the most vulnerable, the poor and those severely affected by drought. It is not for the rich, nor is it to be stored in offices by administrators. Anyone found misusing these supplies will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
Bura Member of Parliament Yakub Adow lauded the government for responding promptly to the drought crisis in his constituency, noting that the relief supplies would go a long way in supporting affected families, especially during the holy month of Ramadhan.
“We sincerely thank the government for delivering this relief food — more than 900 bags of rice and over 700 bags of beans — to our people at a time when they need it most,” said Adow.
At Morokani village alone, where approximately 10,000 residents have been affected by drought, the CS oversaw the distribution of 900 bags of rice and 700 bags of beans, each weighing 50 kilograms.
One of the beneficiaries, Zena Jogoye, expressed gratitude to the government but noted that the food would only sustain small households for about a week. She called for long-term solutions, including the rehabilitation of the Bura Irrigation Scheme, to enable residents to produce food sustainably and reduce dependence on relief aid.
By Erick Kyalo
