This archive report was first published on 5 January 2020.
Published on January 5, 2020, Homa Bay County in Kenya has been grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods that left thousands of residents displaced and without access to basic necessities. In a bid to alleviate the suffering of the affected residents, the county administration has stepped up its relief efforts, distributing food and water tanks to those in need.
According to reports, over 2,500 flood victims in Homa Bay County have benefited from Sh2 million humanitarian assistance from the county government. The relief efforts, led by County Secretary Isaiah Ogwe, saw the distribution of rice and beans to 400 households at Osodo and 178 households at Kobuya camps in Rachuonyo North Sub-county.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Ogwe expressed his commitment to helping the affected residents, stating, 'This is a new year gift we are presenting to people who were affected by floods. We will proceed to other parts of the county where there are other victims.'
However, the county administration has faced criticism for the delay in delivering the aid, with Finance Executive Nicholas Koriko attributing it to 'tedious' procurement procedures. Despite this, the county has promised to do all it can to reduce the suffering of the affected residents.
Residents of the affected areas have also expressed their gratitude to the county administration for the relief efforts, with Kennedy Ochola, manager of Osodo camp, stating, 'Destruction of crops in our farms has predisposed us to serious famine. We call upon well wishers to come to our aid.'
