Buy livestock from Tharaka-Nithi, Ragwa urges government

Tharaka-Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa speaking to journalists in Kathwana on February 9, 2017 when he urged the national government to buy livestock from drought-stricken parts of Tharaka North Sub-County. PHOTO | ALEX NJERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • He said there is a misconception that Tharaka has a good climate while it is actually a semi-arid area.
  • Ragwa asked Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri to speed relief food distribution in the area.
  • Mukothima MCA Gataya Mwenda said there is need for the government to dig dams in dry areas.

Tharaka-Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa has asked the national government to buy livestock from drought-stricken parts of Tharaka North Sub-County.

Speaking on Thursday at Kathwana, Mr Ragwa said there is no pasture and water for livestock in Kathangacini, Kiamiramba, Mpuku and other parts of Tharaka North and animals have started dying.

“All rivers in these areas have dried and there is no pasture for livestock due to drought,” said Mr Ragwa.

He said there is a misconception that Tharaka has a good climate while it is actually a semi-arid area.

The governor added that residents are in serious need of food and asked Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri to speed up the promise of relief food distribution that President Uhuru Kenyatta made during his visit to the county last month.

“The President promised us relief food during his visit and we urge Mr Kiunjuri to implement it,” he said.

Mukothima Ward MCA Gataya Mwenda said there is need for the government to dig dams in dry areas to reduce water shortage especially for animals during dry seasons.

He also urged the government to tap water for irrigation from Tana River and other rivers to curb hunger.