Month: April 2023

It was a reprieve for hundreds of farmers in Embu who lost their crops and pasture following desert locust invasion three years ago after they received Sh. 17. 9 million from the World Bank as compensation.

The funds channeled through Government Emergency Locust Response Program (ELRP) are set to benefit farmers in six Wards that were affected by the invasion of various swarms leading to loss of livelihood running into millions of shillings.

The affected wards including Evorore, Muminji, Kiamebere, Makima, Nginda and Kagaari North received compensation for value chains including dairy, poultry, beekeeping and crops such as green grams.

Speaking while handing over cheques to beneficiaries and flagging off livestock feed supplements at Talent Academy in Embu Town on Friday, Governor Cecily Mbarire said the initiative was aimed at assisting farmers get back on their feet following the losses occasioned by the invasion.

She said among the beneficiaries were 51 Common Interest Groups (CIGs) that received Sh. 6.8 Million for restocking of bees, poultry and dairy goats.

The county boss added that four farmers’ cooperatives were also given grants geared towards mobilization of more members to join in the dairy and green gram value chains to the tune of Sh.1.9 million.

She said the sub-project on livestock feed supplementation covering Evurore, Muminji, Kiambere and Makima Wards had been allocated Sh. 10 million to sustain weak animals until regeneration of pasture following the prolonged drought.

While at it, Governor Mbarire said they plan to work closely with Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) in a livestock offtake programme to cushion famers from losses during drought seasons.

She called on the beneficiaries to use the funds for the intended purpose and not blow it up in unnecessary ventures.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Turkana acting Director of Disaster Risk Management Moses Nawoton has confirmed the county has received the first consignment of assorted supplies meant to be distributed as relief food to households across the region in order to reduce vulnerability to the worsening drought situation in the region.

‘The supplies received was procured by the county government for the 2022-2023 financial year and will be distributed to the locals from various food distribution points as soon as safety inspection is concluded.’ the director said.

Director Nawoton said that the move had been initiated by Governor Lomorukai as a response to the worsening drought situation and an intervention against household food insecurity.

He also explained that the full consignment was 2500 metric tonnes of supplies consisting of 50,000 bags of maize stashed in 50 kgs sacks and 5000 cartons of vegetable cooking oil.

Noting that a team had been constituted to cross check the supplies for health and safety standard as well as quality concerns, director Nawoton warned staff against diverting the supplies and said that stern measures will be taken on culprits.

The director also clarified that the county would rely on the existing food distribution infrastructure and make use of vulnerability index data to ensure that all the most deserving households are prioritized.

The food items come at a time when development partners and national government agencies have stepped up response against drought to cushion residents and is therefore expected to complement the efforts.

Source: Kenya News Agency