The government in conjunction with the Mennonite Church, has concluded the second and final phase of a relief food distribution program, targeting at least 1,300 hunger-stricken families in Turkana County.
The two-day exercise, presided over by the Turkana Deputy County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a, covered households in parts of Kanamkemer in Lodwar and Kakuma Refugee Camp to address food insecurity through partnerships, emergency relief and long-term interventions.
“Due to the harsh climatic conditions and persistent droughts in Turkana, emergency food distribution remains necessary. However, we are also working with partners to promote irrigation, livestock support and agriculture as sustainable solutions,” Nyang’a said.
Senior Assistant County Commissioner for Turkana Central, Andrew Mutuma, urged beneficiaries to put the aid into good use.
“As government, we are concerned when children drop out of school, or, when people fail to register for Social Health Insurance. As you take this food, ensure children remain in school and households register for SHA,” he urged.
The Director of Missions at the Kenya Mennonite Church, Francis Ojwang noted that the support was facilitated by donors and well-wishers through the Mennonite Development Services, the church’s peace and development arm.
“Our faith compels us to act. As we preach the gospel, we must also meet the needs of the hungry. This food aid is both nourishment for the body and encouragement for the soul,” he said.
For many recipients, the support provided much-needed relief. “I am an elderly man caring for my children and grandchildren. Before the first phase, we were barely surviving. This second phase is a big boost,” said Samuel Emanman, a beneficiary.
Another recipient, Chaku Change, a refugee in Kakuma camp, added that the food would help bridge the gap left by dwindling humanitarian assistance.
By Peter Gitonga
