Tourism, Heritage and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza flagged off distribution of relief food to vulnerable households in Mwingi Sub County Kitui County.
The move comes as the government scales up mitigation measures to save at least 4.5 million Kenyans affected by the ravaging drought in 23 counties.
While speaking at an event in Katse Mwingi North, Malonza said the government is determined to feed its vulnerable population.
“This government is determined to feed its vulnerable population, we are working round the clock to ensure government relief food reaches the most vulnerable in our society,” said Malonza.
Malonza said that the prolonged drought situation has pushed to limit the lives of 4.3million Kenyans in at least 23 counties across the country.
She said Mwingi North is one of the areas worst hit by the ongoing drought with more than 3000 households badly affected.
She also called on farmers in the country to embark on farming now that the short rains are here.
“As Kenyans, we consume up to 60% of our farm produce thus the need to engage in farming during this short rain season to produce our own food and be secure,” said Malonza.
“Mumoni sub county alone has received 1200 sacks of rice ,480 sacks of beans and 300 cartons of meat which is set to benefit 2880 families,” added Malonza.
All other sub counties in Kitui will each receive 400 sacks of rice,160 bags of beans.
Malonza added that an estimated half a million livestock and close to 2000 wildlife deaths have so far been reported in the drought-stricken counties due to lack of vegetation and water.
She called on Ukambani elected leaders to support the government of the day to ensure service delivery to citizens.
She was accompanied by the Kitui County Deputy Governor, Augustine Kanani, Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui, Red Cross and NDMA officials.
The distributed food stuffs were beans, rice and minced meat.
Source: Kenya News Agency