500,000 people in Mandera starving, says governor

About 60,000 households spread in the 30 wards will receive food, particularly the vulnerable, the elderly, persons with disability and internally displaced persons.

According to the governor, the intervention also targets special needs groups, special schools and registered orphanage centres. Phase one of the intervention was carried out last November.

"In order to ensure that relief food distribution is effective and reaches those who need it most, we have conducted an accurate assessment of the needs and vulnerabilities of different populations and decided to use targeting mechanisms that prioritize the most vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant and lactating women, elderly people, and people with disabilities," said Khalif.

The department of Special Programmes has procured 750 tonnes of foodstuffs and 180,000 litres of cooking oil.

"Every household will receive 12.5kg of rice and 3 litres of cooking oil. Distribution of the foodstuffs has started and is expected to continue for one week."