Ijara MP Abdi Ali is now appealing for more support from both governments, non-state actors and well-wishers to upscale drought intervention measures.
He said the drought is at the alarm stage and requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders.
Speaking in Masalani town on Monday during a food distribution exercise to area residents in partnership with the Turkish Embassy, the MP while thanking well-wishers who have so far come on board to assist drought-stricken residents said that more need to be done.
“As we all know the ravaging drought has taken a heavy toll on the counties due to depressed rains or lack of rainfall in the past four consecutive rainy seasons. Children dropping out of school has been on the rise. It is for this reason that we require more and more support is required,” he said.
“And so as we gather here to lead this food distribution exercise we want to sincerely thank the Turkish embassy for standing with us in our hour of need. We will continue standing with you. We will not get tired of appealing for more help. We call upon the national government, NGOs and other development partners to support those affected,” he said.
The assorted foodstuff comprised of milk, maize meal, wheat flour, rice, beans, sugar and cooking oil.
The first term MP said there is a need to upscale cash transfers, provision of livestock feeds and fast-moving spare parts for the strategic boreholes.
He further called for the upscaling of health interventions including outreach programmes and the provision of nutrition supplies to curb malnutrition and disease outbreaks.
