In Summary
- Mr Roba said in Mandera alone, 152 water tracking centres were up yet the venture was expensive as the number of people in need is rising.
- Mr Roba said although the counties have done their best in distributing relief rations since last year, it is now a burden to the devolved units.
By LUCAS BARASA
The Council of Governors is worried about the ravaging famine in 24 counties.
Speaking on behalf of leaders from the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Wednesday, Mandera Governor Ali Roba called for fast action by the national reduce the of lives and livestock.
“Persistent drought as a result of failed rains has severely affected the people. The worst hit counties are Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Turkana, Baringo and Marsabit,” said Mr Roba, who is also the arid areas chairman in the Council of Governor.
INADEQUATE FOOD AID
Mr Roba said in Mandera alone, 152 water tracking centres were up yet the venture was expensive as the number of people in need is rising. “Although the national government gives relief food, the frequency and amount is inadequate,” Mr Roba said.
He regretted that the food aid is still being channelled “through the old Provincial Administration and there’s no way to verify if the intended people are receiving it.”
Mr Roba said although the counties have done their best in distributing relief rations since last year, it is now a burden to the devolved units.
The governor said an urgent solution was required to avoid a situation where authorities wait until people are malnourished and start dying before taking action.
“We want quick response to save lives. The national government and donors should not wait for the last minute. County governments are doing their best but it is a heavy load. This is a modern day era and we can’t afford to wait until people and livestock die to act,” he said.