State releases Sh1b to feed starving Kenyans

Kenya: The Government has released Sh1billion towards buying food for Kenyans faced with starvation, Deputy President William Ruto has said.

The Deputy President said the State would do all it can to ensure no Kenyan dies from hunger.

Saying provision of relief was not a lasting solution to famine, Ruto asked county governments in arid and semi-arid areas of the country to invest heavily in irrigation.

"Sh1 billion has been released to the responsible ministry to ensure food is availed to the affected people. In fact, we have food worth Sh10 million for Samburu County," he said.

Addressing two separate functions in Baragoi Stadium and St Teresa Nursing School in Samburu County, the Deputy President said the Government plans to turn semi-aid areas into food surplus zones.

Ruto said semi-arid areas have the potential to become a food basket if water for irrigation is available, adding that the State had put in place firm security measures, including the use of helicopters in the fight against insecurity, especially that occasioned by cattle rustlers.

"It cannot happen that when the rest of Kenyans are working on buying shares in the stock exchange, you are left in stock theft. This must come to an end," Ruto reiterated.

On education, the Deputy President urged parents in pastoral areas to invest in education of their children.

"You should now know it is against the law for parents not to take their children to school or circumcise young girls, and those found doing contrary to the law will be punished," Ruto warned.

He was accompanied by more than 15 MPs, among them Moses Lentomoiga (Samburu North), Patrick ole Ntutu (Narok), and nominated MP Naisula Lesuuda, among others.