President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared the current drought affecting 23 arid and semi-arid counties a national disaster.
Speaking after being briefed on the situation facing the country by Cabinet Secretaries involved in drought management and food security at state House Nairobi, Kenyatta urged all stakeholders to support the Government by upscaling drought mitigation programmes.
The Head of State called on the local and international partners to come in and support the Government’s efforts to contain the situation, which has not only affected human being and livestock but also the wild animals.
“Support from our partners would complement Governments efforts in mitigating the effects of drought,” the President said.
The President went ahead and issued a stern warning to all those involved in food distribution in the affected counties.
“I will not tolerate anybody who would try to take advantage of this situation to defraud public funds,” Kenyatta stated.
Kenyatta said that all purchases of food and other requirements would be done in a transparent and open manner to ensure Kenyans are not defrauded.
“Let all investigative agencies including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission get involved in the activities being undertaken during this period. I don’t want the Government to be accused of taking advantage of this situation,” the President affirmed.
