Kajiado: The Government has received rice donations worth Sh360 Million from the People’s Republic of China to be distributed to over 2.8 million people in 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) Counties. The donation aims at boosting food security in the ASAL counties facing increased vulnerability of ecosystems and livelihoods due to the below normal March-May and April to June expected rainfall.
According to Kenya News Agency, the deteriorating outlook is also linked to the fragile recovery from the 2021-2023 drought, following five consecutive failed rain seasons. Speaking in Kumpa, Kajiado Central during the launch of the food donations, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul emphasized the importance of building resilience among communities to be able to cope with the adverse effects of climate change.
The CS urged communities in ASAL counties to embrace alternative sources of livelihoods to be able to cushion themselves during long periods of drought. ‘We have received 40,000 bags of rice to assist communities in ASAL areas who are facing drought due to below normal rainfall in the counties; even as we do so, we are emphasizing on embracing alternative sources of livelihoods,’ she said. Askul thanked the Chinese government for standing with Kenya whenever the country faces challenges, particularly those related to disasters. She further underscored the need to leverage financial and technical support from development partners to enhance food security, build resilience, and improve livelihoods.
On his part, Principal Secretary ASAL and Regional Development Mr. Kello Harsama reiterated the importance of building resilience within communities, adding that the Ministry has embarked on resilience programmes such as sinking boreholes and building dams in ASAL counties to enable locals to embark on food production. Harsama noted that ASAL counties are normally worst affected during long periods of drought, and building resilience early will enable the communities to cushion themselves from the effects of climate change.
‘We have embarked on resilience programmes including building dams and sinking boreholes in ASAL counties to enable residents to grow crops that will boost food security. We are investing heavily in water and smart agriculture and pastoralism to enable communities to cope with drought,’ he said. Minister Counselor Mr. Zhou Zhencheng, from the People’s Republic of China affirmed his country’s support to Kenya adding that the bilateral relations between the two countries have expanded in many areas including social economic development.
‘The People’s Republic of China will continue supporting Kenya during such tough times as drought or floods as the two countries enjoy mutual bilateral relations,’ said Zhencheng.