The Kirinyaga county government has distributed relief food to 9,200 drought stricken residents of Mwea constituency.

The relief food distribution drive targeting 1,841 households in Murinduko, Wamumu and Mutithi wards was presided over on behalf of Governor Anne Waiguru by her deputy David Githanda.

While issuing the food hampers in which each household received maize, porridge flour, green grams, rice, cooking oil and salt, the deputy governor lauded Waiguru whom he said has been very vocal on the county’s drought situation and had sourced for the food aid from the National government.

A food security assessment carried out by the National Drought Management Authority in Kirinyaga revealed that about 25,000 households in Mwea East and Mwea West were facing starvation, which translates to around 125,000 people.

Githanda said the governor had pledged to source for more food to cater for the households that were not covered in the initial phase. “We have started with the most vulnerable groups who include the elderly and the sick, but the programme will continue to include more people.” 

He also appealed to the beneficiaries to take advantage of the ongoing rains and plant crops as a way of combating food insecurity. He said  subsidised fertiliser has already been delivered in the county to enable farmers grow food to replenish their granaries.

The National Drought Management Authority Coordinator Lordman Lekalkuli who was present during the food distribution drive said though NDMA's main focus has been on the arid and semi-arid areas, the persistent drought in counties normally perceived as food secure has made them widen the scope to cover Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Machakos, Elgeyo Marakwet, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori.

Peninah Njeri, a resident of Togonye in Murinduko ward and a beneficiary of the food hamper expressed her gratitude for the relief. She said consecutive failed seasons in the area have made life difficult for residents since they depend on their farms for food. She said they are planting in the hope that this season will not fail and that it will compensate for the previous failed seasons.

Cyrus Njeru from Murinduko thanked  Waiguru for the intervention admitting that there has been severe drought in the area due to failed rains. 

“This food will go a long way in alleviating our suffering even as we look forwarding to a better season,” said Francis Ireri another resident.

The relief food distribution drive was also attended by Mwea MP Mary Maingi, MCAs, County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers and officials from the National government.