NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 8 – The government has released Sh1 billion to purchase food for thousands of Kenyans facing starvation in various parts of the country.
Deputy President William Ruto said the government would do all it can to ensure no Kenyan dies from hunger.
“Sh1billion has been released to the responsible ministry to ensure food is made available to the affected people. In fact, we have food worth Sh10 million for Samburu County,” he said.
Ruto asked the county governments in arid and semi-arid areas of the country to invest heavily in irrigation, pointing out that provision of relief was not a lasting solution to famine.
Addressing two separate functions in Baragoi stadium and St Teresa Nursing School in Samburu County, the Deputy President said the government plans to turn semi-arid areas into food surplus zones from the current food deficit.
The Deputy President said although the Treasury has released the money to ensure residents facing famine were provided with food, more resources must be directed to irrigation projects.
He urged the county governments to invest heavily in irrigation in bid to realising food security in their respective counties.
On insecurity, the Deputy President said that the government has put in place firm security measures including use of helicopters in the fight against insecurity adding that the purchase of helicopters was among a raft of security measures lined up by the government.
Ruto said the move will ensure timely response of security officers who will confront the rustlers before disappearing with stolen animals.
“It cannot happen that when the rest of Kenyans are working on buying shares in the stock exchange, you are left in stock theft. This must come to an end,” said Ruto.
He also told parents in pastoral areas to invest heavily in education of their children as it’s only through investment in education that the problems facing residents in pastoral areas could be solved warning of stern action against those who do not take their children to school.
“You should now know that it is against the law for parents not to take their children to school or circumcise young girls and those found doing contrary to the law will be punished,” said Ruto.
The Deputy President was accompanied by more than 15 lawmakers.
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