By Hopkin Reporter.
Tuesday, 14 March, 2023, Drought has been one of the most common disasters affecting our Country for a long time and its effects are increasing in intensity and scale, Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe (EGH) has said.
In a speech delivered by Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani during a County Drought Committee (CDC) meeting at a Mwingi hotel, the Governor noted that the drought situation has threatened lives and livelihoods and slowed down the economic growth, thus increasing poverty levels among Kenyans.
The CDC, which is coordinated by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), has 18 members and is co-chaired by the Governor and the County Commissioner.
“Currently we are experiencing one of the worst drought episodes in the Country, which has caused death to livestock and wildlife. In Kitui County for instance, we have had drought in every three to four years and a severe one in every five to six years,” read part of the Governor’s speech.
The county chief regretted that climate change has exacerbated effects of drought to the communities, further eroding the gains in development by the governments and development partners.
“There is need for more coordinated mechanisms to address the drought effects at the county, national and global levels.“Drought being a slow onset disaster, can be mitigated with timely measures, albeit with concerted efforts by all stakeholders in terms of sensitization, investment, monitoring and response whenever necessary,” added DG Kanani.
County Commissioner Erastus Mbui, County NDMA Coordinator Francis Koma, CECMs Dr. Stephen Kimwele Mbaya (Agriculture and Livestock), Ruth Koki (Health and Sanitation) and Phoebe Ndunyu Mutemi (Culture, Gender, Youth, ICT, Sports and Social Services) were also in attendance.
Others were Education Director Madam Rosaline Njiru and representatives of NGOs, civil society groups and the clergy.
