Help on the way, the hungry told

A team assessing the extent of famine in northern and eastern Kenya visited Wajir on Tuesday and promised the locals that help was on the way.

The government officials, leaders, medical and humanitarian officials from Germany visited a number of drought-hit areas in the district.

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka said the government had set aside Sh300 million for Habbaswein irrigation scheme to help the locals farm and increase food production.

Mr Musyoka distributed food donated by Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation and the government to needy families.

He said irrigation schemes in arid and semi- arid lands could solve food shortages in the country.

Thousands of livestock have died in the area. The Vice-President assured the residents that the government would give them animals to restock.

The VP urged Kenyans to stop the blame game over the famine and instead explore ways of assisting the affected families.

Speaking at Kulaaley open grounds in Wajir South constituency, Mr Musyoka warned that the government would deal firmly with any group that diverted relief food.

‘‘I want to assure residents in this region that anybody found diverting food meant for starving families will be dealt with accordingly,’’ he said.

Others in the delegation included Special Programmes minister Esther Mirugi, Eldoret North MP William Ruto, Wajir South MP Mohammed Sirat, his Wajir West counterpart Mohammed Gabo and nominated MP Mohammed Affey.

Mr Ruto said irrigation would help the residents grow their own food. Ms Murugi said the government had set aside Sh10.5 billion to fight drought.