The National Treasury will today release Sh2 billion to fight the prolonged drought in northern parts of the country.
This came after President Uhuru Kenyatta declared the drought affecting parts of the country a national disaster.
Accompanied by leaders from Arid and Semi-arid lands (ASALs) counties, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani said the money will be transfered to the Ministry of Devolution stating that the money had already been budgeted.
“Money is there, it’s been budgeted for, and we are going to release it by tomorrow to the relevant implementing ministries including devolution,” said Yatani
He also said the government will mobilize resources and also trucks from the Kenya Defence Force to ensure water is available for affected communities and livestock.
The President had instructed the National Treasury and the Ministry of Interior to spearhead government’s efforts to assist affected households including water and relief food distribution as well as livestock uptake.
The government’s comprehensive drought mitigation efforts include; distributing water and relief food as well as buying livestock.
According to NDMA, close to two million people are food insecure in the arid counties of Kenya. Considering we are headed to an election year, this could lead to prolonged inter ethnic conflict.
Due to climate change, the frequency of drought has increased and so has the level of vulnerability.
