NAIROBI—The government will buy livestock from drought-stricken pastoralists, a member of Parliament has said.
Samburu West MP Maison Leshoomo said the government has sent out agents who will identify animals that can not withstand the drought that continue to bite in most part of East Africa.
““Rest assured that your livestock will be saved. There are officials moving around who will identify the animals and you will be safe from incurring losses,” the MP said while addressing pastoralist from Samburu at Kirimo Primary School.
The legislator was speaking at a time when the government is working round the clock to release sh 250m meant to mitigate the effect of drought in the country.
Pastoralist are now forced to walk an extra 10km daily to fend for their animals. The drought was caused by failed rainy season.
Ijara member of parliament called on the government to intervene before the situation gets out of hand as did happen in 2011.
“We appeal to President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Jubilee government to come to the aid of the people because in the next few days human life might be lost which [would be a} shame,” Mr Abass said.
The Devolution and National Planning Cabinet Secretary, Mwangi Kiunjuri said there was a shortage of water in ASAL counties but the government was in the process of setting up intervention measures to mitigate the situation.
“There is a water shortage and increased risk of malnutrition,’’ Kiunjuri said while addressing the press at the Treasury building in Nairobi.
More than 1.3 million Kenyans are facing famine following inadequate rainfall this year in most parts of the country.
Majority of those affected live in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties.
