Government plans to enrol residents who are affected by hunger and drought

The Kenyan government Spokesperson Colonel Oguna has said that the government spends Ksh.2 billion every year and now plans to enrol residents who are affected by hunger or drought.

In a press address today, Oguna named the hunger and drought prone counties are; Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa and Samburu.

According to him, the government has initiated interventions in collaboration with county governments to ensure that no Kenyans die from hunger in drought prone regions.

“Households in these counties are currently receiving water in mitigation plans. In Turkana, the government has also rolled out a relief food distribution plan to those affected by drought,” he said.

The government will also be liaising with the county governments in close-monitoring of those that may be threatened by drought or hunger for quicker response.

Additionally, 101,000 households in Turkana, Mandera, Garissa and Wajir have been beneficiaries of the governments cash-transfers under the hunger safety programme.

Under the program, households in these counties are entitled to a Ksh. 2700 stipend every two months.

He also urged Kenyans to prepare accordingly for the coming long rains which are expected from this week.

“Rains for this season may be a bit depressed. However, areas that will experience above average rainfall are; Nyanza, Western Kenya, parts of Rift Valley, Central and parts of Eastern province,” Oguna said.

On locust invasion, Oguna said the government is still keen to ensure the situation is handled.

“Efforts by the government and other agencies have been able to contribute to a success rate of about 95 per cent. From 203 swarms to about three swarms,” he said.

According to Oguna, the locusts are likely to be terminated within two weeks to one month.