The government has put in place measures to cushion herders in Marsabit County who have been reeling under unfavourable weather conditions orchestrated by climate change.

The Principal Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama said the programmes were being rolled out in order to get local communities back on their feet starting provision of relief food rations to families affected by famine.

Harsama said that the Kenya Kwanza administration has allocated Sh1 billion to assist livestock farmers to restock their animals which were decimated by prolonged severe drought and subsequent flash floods.

‘The money was set aside and captured in the fourth medium term (MTPIV) of the vision 2030 Strategic Development Plan and will kick off at the onset of the coming 2024/2025 financial year,’ said the PS.

The PS pointed out that local pastoralists lost more than 80 per cent of their livestock, their mainstay, to drought and flash floods hence the timely action to enable them regain their sources of
livelihood and restore human dignity.

He also disclosed that plans have been finalized to supply the famine stricken families with relief food.

Harsama said every Sub-County has been allocated a monthly ration of 700 bags of beans and 400 bags of rice.

This he said was aimed at ensuring that nobody afflicted by hunger experienced starvation for whatever reason.

Source: Kenya News Agency