Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has urged all Governors to set aside two percent of their total budgets for emergencies to cushion against droughts and floods. Speaking at Amoni in Teso North and Akiriamasit in Teso South where he had gone to condole with the family of a flood victim Christine Akok and to distribute relief food to the affected people, the CS said the unpredictable weather pattern has called for extra caution. “Experts have predicted that floods and droughts will be a common phenomenon in Kenya year in year out; It is important for Counties to take precaution and have a special fund to cater for such emergencies,” he said.
Flanked by Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, CS Wamalwa said the national government will join forces with County governments to avail the necessary support when they encounter drought or floods challenges.
The CS said apart from relief food there is need to seek a permanent solution to the perpetual floods situation in Teso North and Teso South Sub Counties. “The National Government will support Busia County Government in construction of dykes in the Teso region; it’s regrettable that many farmers have had their crops and homes destroyed by the raging floods,” said CS Wamalwa.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said his government will factor in the 2019-2020 budget money for construction of dykes in the affected areas in addition to what the national government will contribute.
He said some of the funds the County will get through the Kenya Devolution Support Programme this year will also be channeled towards construction of dykes. “The Amoni and Akiriamas areas along River Malakisi and Omiriai are leading producers of vegetables and fruits that feed the entire County; we need to control floods to enable affected farmers expand their agricultural production,” he said.
Amukura West MCA Abiud Ochillangole and his Malaba Central counterpart Bernard Papa said it was unfair to categorize residents from their ward as famine stricken because of a problem that can be solved once and for all with construction of dykes.
