In a bid to address water scarcity in Kilifi County, the national government has launched an Sh350 million water tracking program to supply water to the thousands of drought victims.
That is according to Water Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki who has been touring Kilifi County.
Kilifi County is among the four of the hard-hit counties by the drought disaster with over 148,000 people directly affected by the disaster.
Seven tracks including two donated by the Mombasa cement company were dispatched to all the seven sub-counties to ensure they supply water to the thirsty residents.
Ms Kariuki said the national government has committed to help the victims with relief food, water, and cash transfer.
“We have now begun water tracking to supply water to institutions in partnership with stakeholders who are working with the national government,” she said during the official launch of the water trucks at Langobaya.
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She thanked Mombasa cement for giving trucks and as a government, they have identified the hotpots which require intervention to ensure they get water.
The CS said they will make sure that they will extend the program to ensure people affected have no challenges of accessing water.
In Kilifi county areas that are hard hit include Ganze, Magarini, Kaloleni, and Rabai where most water pans dried up and animals are dying at a very alarming rate.
Reports from Kenya Red Cross indicate that more than 6000 cows have died as a result of the drought and the number is rising each day.
Kilifi county Commissioner Kutswa Olaka said the national government together with stakeholders including the county government and other partners have begun giving relief food and assured residents that no one will die as a result of hunger.
He said last week Cabinet Secretary for Defence Eugene Wamalwa was in Kilifi to officially launch the relief distribution which is going on to date.
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“That shows the national government cares for the people I am happy to announce that there is no one who has died as a result of hunger,” he said.
Kilifi County executive member for water environment and natural resources Mwachitu Kiringi said the county has been supplying water for the last two months and thanked the national government for coming in to support in water tracking.
Mr Kiringi said next month there are areas in Kaloleni will have pumped water as they are installing pumps to ensure water flows from Mariakani to Tsangatsini.
He said they are also intending to begin pumping water in Kibao Kiche, Kitsaumbi, Gotani, and Pangayambo as they have completed installing pumps.
“This means a larger area in Kaloleni will have been covered by piped water and the remaining areas shall be supplied water with the water boozers,” he said.
