Kwale allocates Sh90m to fight drought
Ganze residents trek long distances in search of water, now scarce following prolonged drought in the region. The Kwale County government has set aside Sh90 million to fight the effects of the drought. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Immediate interventions which will be undertaken include provision of subsidy food to 229 primary schools and 39 secondary schools where students are sitting for national exams.
The Kwale County government has set aside Sh90 million to tackle the effects of drought in Kinango and Lunga Lunga sub-counties affecting over 200,000 people.
This comes a few days after the county assembly passed the 2016 Kwale Disaster Management Bill, which was signed by Governor Salim Mvurya on Friday.
The new Bill allows the local government to spend two per cent of the last audited county government accounts for disaster response and emergency situations in the county.
Speaking at Mvindeni Biashara Center on Tuesday, Mr Mvurya commended the assembly for passing the critical Bill to enable the county government to take action on the prolonged drought.
The governor expressed optimism that the funds will help mitigate against the hazards of the drought that has persisted for almost three months now, leaving locals in a state of devastation.
“We have reviewed the drought situation in the county which has reached alarming levels, leaving families in dire need of urgent support,” he said.
Mr Mvurya said the immediate interventions which will be undertaken include provision of subsidy food to 229 primary schools and 39 secondary schools where students sitting for national exams.
He added that the county government will also distribute food to affected households across the county and enhance water tracking to the affected areas within the county.
The governor acknowledged support extended to the county by national government agencies, stakeholders and friends promising to mobilize more resources.
“I would like to call upon companies and well-wishers to support us during this difficult moment to ensure that no lives are lost due to hunger and starvation,” he said.
Last week, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights visited the area and asked county and national governments to act with speed to address the situation.
According to an assessment which was done by the commission in Chengoni ward over 30,000 people are under serious threat of starvation and more than 300 animals have died.
