Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has reiterated that no Kenyan has died as a result of the drought that has been a nagging issue in some parts of the country. He said contrary to fears and perceptions, the government has set up sufficient measures and allocated enough resources to ensure there are no deaths. Addressing the press in Nairobi, CS Wamalwa said the rice received by the government from China will be distributed until March, adding that the country also has sufficient food, including maize. “We are working closely with Kenya Red Cross and the County governments to ensure that food is distributed,” he said.
Wamalwa said that food security is a key pillar in the Big Four Agenda set by the Jubilee administration, and as a result, more dams will also be set up to increase the rate of water harvesting, a move which will make it possible for food to be produced even when there is no rain. He said the issue of drought is not a local problem as some may believe, but it’s a global challenge, due to climate change, adding that more severe problems might be on the horizon. Concerning the project in Galana Kulalu scheme, he said the project is progressing well and said that as a result sufficient food was produced and distributed to centres in the Coastal region. However, he urged the private sector to chip in and do business for the benefits of the project to be manifested further, “The private sector should come on board and do business, it’s not for the government to do business,” he affirmed.
Red Cross Secretary General Abbas Gullet said KRCS will do their part to ensure that no Kenyan stays without food, saying they want to ensure no child is malnourished. He said that the government will do their part to enhance food security and tackle drought, while they will complement their efforts. Moreover, he encouraged Counties to do inter-County business to boost food production, given that some Counties may produce surplus foods while others have high demands.