By Bisola Adeyemo
Over 2.5 million people affected by drought in Kenya have received humanitarian support in form of rice donation from the Chinese government.
The donation followed the President’s declaration that the drought situation is a national disaster on 8th September 2021, a declaration that brought on board organizations both local and international to augment the government’s effort in drought response and assistance to millions of people who needed food.
The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes Margaret Kobia who received the first batch of the seventh and final consignment of humanitarian rice said rice donation worth Sh. 2.25 billion from the Chinese will go a long way in helping this who affected by drought, KNa reports.
According to her, the donation also distributed to schools in the in the same areas -23 ASAL counties to ensure the retention of students in schools during the drought period.
“I am happy to note that the donation we are receiving today is a significant support from a friendly Government coming in an hour of need which shall greatly assist food-insecure populations.
“Through the State Department for Social Protection, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programs, relief food had been distributed to the 23 ASALs counties in the month of October and November.
“I assure you that the humanitarian assistance will target those who need it most and no Kenyan will die of hunger,” said Kobia.
“I can assure you that the government of China will continue supporting Kenya during such tough times,” said Zhang Yijun, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya.