DP Willliam Ruto says State has spent millions of shillings to fight drought in Turkana

Deputy President William Ruto. (Photo: Courtesy)

Deputy President William Ruto has faulted Turkana County's spending of drought alleviation cash.

Ruto, who accompanied President Uhuru Kenyatta in Lodwar where he launched a drought alleviation programme for  drought-affected residents, said there was little to show for millions of shillings that went to the county to fight hunger.

"The funds that the Jubilee government set aside for Turkana  is the largest share ever received by the county since the world was created. The Jubilee government has the interests of the Turkana people at heart and that's the reason they ensured the funds were brought here to help the people," he said.

He said Turkana County deserved the high allocation of funds it had been receiving from the national government to address years of marginalisation of the region.

"Many people complained that Turkana should not be given the funds. They did not understand why we were prioritising Turkana. They said that they were the largest contributors of taxes and therefore deserved the lion's share," the DP added.

Uhuru issued Sh548 million in cheques to beneficiaries of the Hunger Safety Net from National Drought Management Authority(NDMA).

The funds are expected to help the beneficiaries buy food and other needs during the current drought.

The hunger safety net programme's animal insurance fund is expected to mitigate perennial drought and cushion pastoralists.

It is also meant to help the pastoralists who want to buy back livestock after the drought. The insurance will be distributed to all the 14 counties affected by drought.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett thanked the President for accepting to tour Turkana and launch the Hunger Safety Net to mitigate the devastating drought that had wiped out thousands of livestock.

During the event, Uhuru warned that the government would take action against doctors who defy orders to return to work.

Also present were Turkana Senator John Munyes, Governor Josphat Nanok, MPs, MCAs and other guests. The launch was also attended by British High Commissioner Nic Hailey.

Before addressing a public baraza, the President toured NDMA and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)  stands.