Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi speaking at the event./STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo flagging off the relief food aid for vulnerable families in the county. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
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Wajir County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo speaking at the event. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
The food aid being offloaded from tracks in Wajir town. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
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The Wajir government on Saturday launched a food distribution programme targeting to support 40,000 households.

This year’s launch comes at a time when the residents continue to face the effects of drought that has affected livelihoods across the county.

Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said it is for this reason that his administration has strengthened its response through additional interventions.

They include maintenance and servicing of boreholes and provision of free water trucking to the most affected areas.

"This initiative has been our tradition every Ramadhan. However, this year's launch comes at a time when our people continue to face the effects of drought that has affected livelihoods," Abdullahi said.

The 915 tonnes of food supplies, comprising of sifted maize, fortified porridge flour, dates, and cooking oil will also reach orphans in orphanage centres, patients undergoing dialysis, and persons with disabilities.

Abdullahi also acknowledged support from the national government in helping respond to the crisis.

"I appreciate the national government for its partnership and continued support in helping us mitigate the ongoing drought," he added.

County commissioner Karuku Ngumo assured residents that the national government would continue working closely with the county government and development partners to cushion vulnerable communities from the harsh effects of drought.

Ngumo said the government is committed to strengthening food aid distribution and water trucking initiatives.

The state will also coordinate relief efforts and mobilise additional resources to address the ongoing humanitarian challenges facing residents of Wajir.

Mohamed Hussein, a beneficiary, expressed gratitude for the support. He said more assistance is needed due to the high number of families affected.

“I want to appeal to both the national and county governments to urgently scale up relief food distribution and enhance water trucking. The drought has wiped out our livestock which is our primary source of livelihood leaving many households struggling to afford even a single meal a day,” Hussein said.

Mariam Hussein, a resident of Barwaqo, said they were not taking for granted the food assistance extended from the county.

“I want to sincerely thank the county administration for coming through for us at our hour of need. As you can see, most of the beneficiaries are poor and can barely afford a meal," she said.

She called on well-wishers and humanitarian organisations to join hands with the government in supporting the growing number of vulnerable families in the region.

“We appreciate the assistance, but those in need are many. We are appealing for more support to ensure no family goes without food, especially during this sacred month on Ramadhan."

Wajir is currently classified in the crisis phase of the drought where about 20 per cent of the population, roughly 174,200 people, are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance.

The situation follows three consecutive failed rain seasons.