Kenya Red Cross distributes seedlings to counter El Nino effects

Kenya Red Cross Society Monday started distributing seedlings worth Sh7 million to 20,000 households in Kitui County to counter effects of El Nino.

Both the British and Kenya Red Cross societies have collaborated in the initiative by each providing Sh3.5 million to ensure food security after the rains and help locals earn some income.

Some 6,700 households in the three constituencies of Mwingi West, Mwingi Central and Kitui West, will benefit from the donation during the four-day operation.

Kenya Red Cross Communication Manager Arnolda Shiundu said the distribution exercises in Mwingi West constituency will be held in Migwani and Nguutani wards, Kivou and Kiomo wards in Mwingi Central and Mutonguni, Kabati and Kauwi wards in Kitui West.

"This is a contingency plan in readiness for floods during and after El Nino. We want to prepare people in this region for the long rains and ensure their food security even after the rains that are predicted to be destructive," said Ms Shiundu.

She added that Secretary General Abbas Gullet will on Wednesday launch the exercise officially in Kitui town.