Orphans in Mandera to benefit from county government fund

Orphans in Mandera will benefit from relief rations and cash from the county government.

Governor Ali Roba launched the initiative, which targets four orphanages, at the Mandera Islamic Centre.

The centre supports orphans in Mandera East Constituency.

The other centres which got financial support are Al-Hidaya, Al-Fowzan and Aluwaiys.

The governor said that the programme initially begun with the provision of relief food distribution and “a small amount of money but has seen significant improvement”.

Mr Roba added that his administration will disburse Sh9.4 million this financial year towards the programme and increase the allocation to Sh20 million in the next financial year.

COVER COSTS

The governor said the money will cover the cost of clothing and food for the orphans and payments for teachers, administrators and caretakers. 

“Our aim is to limit the support programme to these four major orphanages with the intention of expanding their capacities and hence reaping the benefits of their economy of scale,” said the governor during the launch.

He added that his administration will partner with religious leaders in identifying the vulnerable members of the society and use the data to set up a deliberate plan for supporting them.

“Protecting the disadvantaged members of our community is a cardinal role of any government and my administration in partnership with religious leaders will carry out fresh mapping of vulnerable members of our society and use the data to draw up a deliberate plan to support them,” he said.

The governor said that through the programme they will employ qualified social workers who will closely monitor and offer professional assistance to needy families by advising them on income generation and livelihood strategies.

Mr Roba said that the move will play a huge role in lifting the community above the poverty line.