Hunger-stricken families across the country have received relief food from the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) in partnership with the Ministry of East Africa Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-arid Areas (ASALs), and Regional Development Kenya.
Addressing media on Monday at the Prison headquarters, Magereza house, during the flagging off of the consignment, the Ministry of East Africa Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-arid Areas (ASALs), and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebeccah Miano called upon various sectors to join efforts in a bid to boost the government in its quest to mitigate the hunger situation ravaging thousands of vulnerable Kenyans.
According to the CS, Kitui County is among the nine counties in the alarm drought phase with Kitui south, Kitui East, Mwingi Central, and Mwingi North sub-counties being the most affected.
She said the situation in Mutha ward, Kitui South is exacerbated by extensive crop failure, human-wildlife conflict, and the after-effects of resource-based conflicts which have already ruined the current situation.
CS Miano further revealed that the Ministry will add 150 bags of beans to the 400 bags of maize donated by the Kenya Prisons Service from their farms in high-potential areas such as the Rift valley and Western Regions
“Meanwhile, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) is currently coordinating a multi-agency assessment exercise that will give a close picture of the impact of the just concluded rain season and food security crisis that will improve our capacity to undertake appropriate measures,” the CS revealed.
CS Miano further pointed out that the government has put mechanisms in place to build resilience in communities affected by drought.