The government has allocated Ksh 450 million to purchase livestock from affected pastoralists to provide food aid to drought-stricken families.
According to Micah Powon, the Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens and Special Programmes, the purchased livestock will provide relief to families affected by drought.
The funds will also help reduce the burden on pastoralists to search for water and pasture.
Under the programme, over 2.1 million Kenyans from 23 drought-affected counties will benefit.
Mr. Powon stated that apart from the allocated funds to save pastoralists from losses, the government has also allocated Ksh 2 billion to combat drought and prevent humanitarian crises.
Of the Ksh 2 billion, Ksh 350 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Water, while Ksh 450 million has been set aside for the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) to purchase weak and vulnerable livestock for slaughter.
Mr. Powon emphasized the importance of pastoralists embracing the programme to sell their livestock before they die.
He also stated that the government is continuing with its food distribution programme to affected communities.
Mr. Powon stated that the government is doing its best to mitigate the effects of drought and reduce poverty and hunger among affected communities.
