Residents affected by drought receive over 1,600 animals to re-stock herds

Hundreds of households who lost their livestock in the recent drought have received free sheep to re-stock their herds.

The families from Kisima area within Samburu Central sub-county received 1,671 as donation from the World Vision.

World Vision official Jospheni Leturju said the initiative will also be extended to cover families from poor backgrounds to empower them economically.

"The prolonged drought affected most parts of Samburu County leading to the death of thousands of livestock forcing the herders to migrate to other counties in search of pasture and water," said Mr Leturju.

The situation worsened in December last year prompting Governor Moses Lenolkula to call for humanitarian intervention.

 Other projects

Residents who benefited from the free sheep on Saturday expressed happiness saying the donation will help expand flock since most parts have now received enough rainfall.

"This will help us regain our economic status. After breeding, we plan to sell some of them to pay fees for our children," said Wilson Lekisanyal, a beneficiary.

The organisation is also assisting the community in various projects, including chicken rearing, free school uniform, education grants to over 4,000 children and water supply to various schools.

National Drought Management Authority assessment report on hunger indicates that 60 per cent of the population in the county, representing 160,000 people are facing food shortage. Most are women and children.