The County Government of Turkana, in partnership with the Mennonite Church, has concluded the second and final phase of a relief food distribution program that reached 1,300 households grappling with poverty and hunger.
The exercise, conducted over two days at Kanamkemer in Lodwar and at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana West, was led by Deputy County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a and involved the office of the County Commissioner alongside local and national administrative units.
DCS Nyang’a reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to addressing food insecurity through partnerships, emergency relief and long-term interventions.
“Due to the harsh climatic conditions and persistent droughts in Turkana, emergency food distribution remains necessary. However, we are also working with partners to promote irrigation, livestock support, and agriculture as sustainable solutions,” he said.
Senior Assistant County Commissioner for Turkana Central, Andrew Mutuma, urged beneficiaries to put the aid to good use.
“As Government, we are concerned when children drop out of school or when people fail to register for Social Health Insurance. As you take this food, ensure children remain in school and households register for SHA,” he urged.
Francis Ojwang, Director of Missions at the Kenya Mennonite Church, noted that the support was facilitated by donors and well-wishers through the Mennonite Development Services, the church’s peace and development arm.
“Our faith compels us to act. As we preach the gospel, we must also meet the needs of the hungry. This food aid is both nourishment for the body and encouragement for the soul,” he said.
For many recipients, the support provided much-needed relief.
“I am an elderly man caring for my children and grandchildren. Before the first phase, we were barely surviving. This second phase is a big boost,” said Samuel Emanman, a beneficiary.
Another recipient, Chaku Change, a refugee in Kakuma camp, added that the food would help bridge the gap left by dwindling humanitarian assistance.
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