Written By Vanessa Kariuki ||
In an effort to lessen the effects of the protracted dry period in the region, the government has authorized food distribution in the eight subcounties of Narok County.
Governor Patrick Ntutu of Narok and County Commissioner Isaac Masinde presented 3200 bags of rice, each weighing 50 kilograms, and 1280 bags of beans, each weighing 50 kilograms, which were donated by the State Department of Social Protection and Special Programs.
Commissioner Masinde, for his part, stated that 400 bags of rice and 160 bags of beans will help each of the eight sub counties, and he urged the chiefs and village elders to see to it that the food gets into the proper hands.
In order to prioritize the delivery of food, Governor Ntutu asserted that a committee on drought mitigation is already in place and has been around the county to highlight regions that are most affected by the drought.
“We have established that our county is not so much affected like some other counties that are completely dry. However, there are areas in dire need of food,” said Ntutu.
“We have already put people on the ground to monitor those who might sell the food. Anyone involved in looting the relief food will face the full force of law,” he added.
About 115 000 people and 130 000 school-aged children in the county, according to Masinde, are in desperate need of food. He also reiterated that schools in drought-affected areas will also receive relief food to keep the kids in school.
“Everyone should be involved in food distribution including politicians, religious leaders, civil society, and non-governmental organizations among others. Let the food be distributed during the day in a transparent and fair manner so as to benefit everyone,” he said.
