- Deputy President Gachagua leads El Nino response, Coordinated effort in Garissa and Tana River
- Funds allocated for critical infrastructure Ksh.1 billion for road rehabilitation in affected areas
- Humanitarian aid and cash transfers immediate relief for families, emphasizing lasting solutions and resilience
In a decisive move, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua took charge on Monday, spearheading a high-level humanitarian intervention in Garissa and Tana River Counties—regions severely battered by the ongoing El Nino crisis.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
Photo: Courtesy
Surrounded by relevant Cabinet secretaries, international development partners, and representatives from humanitarian and government agencies, Deputy President Gachagua visited key locations in Garissa Town, Madogo, and Garsen in Tana River County.
Accompanied by Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Roads, Kipchumba Murkomen, and Arid and Semi-Arid counterpart, Peninah Malonza, Deputy President Gachagua personally inspected sections of Madogo-Garissa where road networks have been severely damaged in both counties.
He assured that the ongoing restoration work is a top priority and revealed that a substantial amount, at least Ksh.1 billion, has been allocated for the rehabilitation of these critical roads.
“The loss of lives and destruction of property in times of disaster is a concern for our President, H.E Dr William Ruto. We are working with the Governors and other partners in ensuring no more lives or property are lost henceforth.” Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced in a press statement.
A substantial portion of the funds, amounting to Sh451,699,200, has been earmarked for cash transfers to over 119,000 vulnerable households across eight arid counties, including Garissa and Tana River.
The disbursement falls under the Hunger Safety Net Programme, implemented by the National Drought Management Authority in collaboration with the ASAL ministry.
During his visit, Deputy President Gachagua appealed to development partners, saying, “Our development partners, please continue supporting us with financial and technical assistance. As you have seen the kind of conditions people are living in and the danger of disease outbreak because of sanitation, lack of clean water.”
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, he highlighted ongoing efforts to reach areas marooned by floods, stating, “It is our responsibility as government and humanitarian agencies to ensure nobody dies because of starvation or disease that may break out due to floods. Today we started air drops in areas that cannot be accessed because roads have been cut off.”
Deputy President Gachagua also urged governors in the most affected areas to prioritize mitigation measures over development projects.
He emphasized the need for lasting solutions, stating, “We cannot, forever, be responding to emergencies; it is costly to our economy and less effective. The answer lies in lasting solutions.”
The Deputy President assured Kenyans of the government’s determination to prevent further loss of lives. He concluded by rallying the residents of Tana River and Garissa County to support President William Ruto’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, asserting that planting trees is a lasting measure to mitigate the negative impact of climate change.
This comprehensive response, combining immediate relief and long-term planning, reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the El Nino crisis.
