County News
Wajir governor flags-off relief program in aid of drought-stricken pastoralist
Wajir governor Mohamed Abdi addressing the press after he flagged off relief program at Wajir. (Courtesy)
WAJIR—Wajir Governor Mohamed Abdi has flagged off livestock feeds as part of drought mitigation measure at a period when the region is battling with acute water shortage and diminishing pasture due to failed rains.
The county government in collaboration with the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) through the support of the European Union (EU) flagged off supply and delivery of 7,800 bags of livestock feeds valued at sh 20,670,000 which will be distributed across the 6 sub counties.
Wajir South which is the most affected will get the largest share of 1500 bags. Wajir West (1400 bags), Wajir North (1300 bags), Eldas, Wajir East and Tarbaj will get 1200 bags each of livestock feeds.
Wajir County experiences recurrent drought in every four years. The current drought is mainly attributed to the poor rainfall during the last two consecutive seasons. This is being evidenced by the depletion and overstretching of water sources and pastures.
Speaking at Leheley,the governor said the body condition of the livestock varied from fair to poor depending on the place with Wajir south being most ravaged by the drought.
“The market price for livestock had fallen to below 50% of the long term average,” he said.
The biting drought has also affected the education sector almost crippling the little gains noted during the early phase of devolution.
INTERVENTION
The county government with help from its partners has put key interventions in various sectors, key among them the health sector where integrated outreach services will be used biweekly in 116 sites.
There is also a proposed water trucking to 115 settlements and 32 pastoral centres as well as maintenance and repair of over 272 boreholes with 24hrs rapid response team.
“My government is committed to make further investment in the fight against the effect of drought with a view of having a long term solution,” the governor said.
He called on donors and other development partners to assist the county in tackling the drought menace.
