Food and households was on Friday donated to 160 fire victim families in City Carton Slum, Athi River District by the State through Special Programme Department.
Addressing the victims during the donation exercise, Mavoko sub-county Assistant Commissioner Phylip Lemalasia said the donation was intended to sustain the beneficiaries as the government works on a long term strategy to get them out of the slum and completely improve their livelihoods.
"The State recognises and appreciates existence of all Kenyans wherever they are, hence the reason why it has taken the initiative to give this material support," said Lemalasia.
Lemalasia however argued the slum's name ‘City Carton’ was not impressive stating it was quite decisive that the dwellers lived in carton makeshifts as their houses.
He said the State will improve all the structures within the slum that was razed down by fire early this month, and then change the name which he argued does not sound well.
The Commissioner said that the State will also lobby for construction materials such as iron sheets, cement and steel from the companies that produce them in Athi River to support the initiative in a bid of improving livelihoods of the area residents.
Lemalasia called on the residents to consider sparing adequate space for roads within their residences to allow easy access to the area by ambulances, police and fire engines whenever disasters strike.
The donations included rice, beans, cooking oil, bar soap, mosquito nets, clothing and assortment of kitchen ware.