Boost as over 8400 residents get relief from businessman in wake of Covid-19

Jared Otieno Foundation coordinator Hezron Orata distributes foodstuff to residents of Kanjira village in Karachuonyo constituency. [James Omoro, Standard]

More than 8400 residents of Karachuonyo constituency on Monday received relief food from a well-wisher to cushion them against the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.

Jared Otieno Foundation that spearheaded the initiative told Standard Digital that they targeted 1400 households with vulnerable residents and those who have been rendered jobless as a result of the virus. 

Among those who benefited included elderly persons, people with disabilities and other vulnerable people.

The initiative was mooted after a number of locals complained of limited sources of income and food shortage.

The foodstuff included bags of wheat and maize flour, sugar, salt, cooking oil and rice.

Jared Otieno Foundation chairman Ely Oyier, Co-coordinator Hezron Orata and Secretary Fredrick Sije led various teams who traversed the constituency to distribute the foodstuff.

Poor harvest

Speaking during the distribution exercise at Wagwe village, Oyier said the coronavirus adverse impact has been exacerbated by poor harvests in the last season due to rampant flooding experienced in the area.

"Floods destroyed homes and crops in farms. Many people lost their crops which they should have harvested today," said Oyier.

Orata said covid-19 had left many young people with no income.

 "We have also considered some youth who lost their sources of livelihood," said Orata.

The residents challenged other leaders in Homa Bay County to come up with similar programmes.

 "It is true that coronavirus has made life unbearable for many of us. We thank Jared Otieno for his intervention," said Nancy Aluga, a resident of Kanjira village.

George Onyango, a resident of Wagwe village said many families were living in difficulties after the government introduced anti covid-19 restrictions.

"We appeal to other leaders to emulate Otieno by intervening with more relief aid," Onyango said.

The programme is expected to be undertaken in all eight constituencies in Homa Bay County.