Over 17,000 locals to get foodstuff

The county administration targets to feed over 17,000 poor households during the holy month of Ramadhan.

Through the Department of Special Programmes and Disaster Preparedness, the administration is targeting vulnerable groups including orphans, widows, persons living with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.

"We are targeting 17,555 households and each will receive 25kg of rice, 3kg of oil, vegetables and 10kg of beans," said Special Programmes Executive Tamima Ahmed.

Speaking in Mandera during the flagging off of trucks carrying the foodstuffs on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Omar Salah said they were committed to alleviating hunger in the region.

"The Ramadhan food distribution programme is part of our elaborate response to drought, which include drilling boreholes and establishing water pans. We will do everything in our power to tackle the drought," said Mr Salah.

And yesterday, Governor Ali Roba visited the food distribution centres including Mandera Elderly Society, Mandera Prison and Mandera Orphans Home where he donated Sh2.5 million for the upkeep of the children.

Mr Roba pledged to continue supporting the orphanage, which has in the recent past been struggling to fend for the children after donors stopped assisting them.

"I am thoroughly impressed by the business initiatives that the orphanage has taken in an effort to provide for the children. We will always be there for you," he assured the home.

Deputy Director of the orphanage Hassan Ahmed thanked the county for the food and financial assistance.