President Mwai Kibaki has today assured of the government’s commitment and desire to provide relief food and other basics as a priority to Kenyans experiencing food shortages in the country.
The President said lack of adequate rainfal has contributed to subsequent crop failures worsening the food situation in parts of the country.
Addressing two roadside rallies at Emali and Sultan Hamud after commissioning the recently upgraded Emali–Loitoktok road, the Head of State said food will also be made availed to all school children to minimize dropouts.
With regard to provision of water to residents of Arid and Semi-Arid lands, the President emphasized that the government with support of investors will ensure that communities water projects are started to ease the suffering of Kenyans faced with acute shortage of the commodity.
He reiterated his clarion call to parents to ensure all children are enrolled in school to benefit from the free primary and subsidized secondary education.
The Head of State noted that it was only through education that children would attain their status in society and meet future challenges.
President Kibaki reaffirmed the government commitment to equitably upgrade roads in all parts of the country to ensure improved living standards of all Kenyans.
Allocation of resources, the President noted, will always consider unique developmental needs of the regions in order to unlock the economic potential of those areas.
On Unity and harmonious co-existence in the country, the Head of State once more urged Kenyans to rise above partisan interests and take personal responsibility in their shared duty of building a cohesive society.
Responding to requests made by local leaders, president Kibaki pledged government support to investors involved in development of fruits and other horticultural crops.
He cited the growing of Oranges and Mango fruits varieties especially in semi-arid areas, which besides, improving on the economy, has a ready market as a sector that the government will fully support.
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka praised the new constitution for guaranteeing Kenyans basic rights including the right to food.
Mr Kalonzo led residents of Ukambani in wishing President Kibaki a joyous Easter holiday.
Other speakers included Internal Security Minister Prof. George Saitoti and his Education counterpart Sam Ongeri, Area MPs Peter Kiilu and Haron Mwau.
The local leaders called on the government to hasten upgrading of the impassible roads in the region to enable farm produce access the market.
The President was accompanied by over twenty members of parliament among other leaders.