President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared the ongoing drought a national disaster. The drought which has heavily affected 23 arid and semi-arid Counties has impacted wildlife, humans and animals, with the effects not deteriorating.
The President made the decision after being briefed by Cabinet Secretaries involved in drought management and food security, who included among others Agriculture CS Willy Bett, Devolution CS Mwangi Kiunjuri and Water CS Eugene Wamalwa. He urged local and international stakeholders to offer support to the government by increasing drought mitigation programmes. “Support from our partners would complement efforts in mitigating the effects of drought,” he said.
Several food distribution programmes had been rolled out by leaders, and President Kenyatta was keen to highlight that anyone taking advantage of the situation will face the consequences, “I will not tolerate anybody who tries to take advantage of the situation to misuse public funds,” he said.
He urged the investigative agencies to get involved in the activities undertake during this period, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, adding that he doesn’t want the government to be accused of taking advantage of the situation.
