[The cash programme, which will see more than 3,800 families benefit will be a welcome relief to the families.]
More than 3,800 families affected by drought in Wajir County are set to benefit from a cash transfer programme launched by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) to reduce the effects of drought on both the human population and livestock.
KCRS North Eastern Regional Coordinator Sahal Abdi said the organization has initiated a monthly cash transfer which will benefit over 3,800 drought affected families in Wajir County.
Abdi said the organization is implementing the intervention with an aim of helping families affected by the drought that has hit most parts of the arid and semi-arid counties.
He said the affected families will get Sh3,000 monthly for the next four months adding that they will receive the money through Mpesa mobile money transfer.
“More than 3,800 families are expected to benefit from the programme. The cash transfer programme will ensure the affected families can buy a variety of food stuffs and not necessarily depend on donations. Although the drought is expected to lessen with the start of the long rains, the problem is still dire,” said Abdi.
He further said the programme will purchase emaciated livestock from families in the region then slaughter them and give as food to hungry residents.
The regional coordinator also said the organization will also supply supplements in Garissa, Wajir and Mandera.
Mr Abdi said the supplements are meant to mitigate against malnutrition since the proportion of malnourished children under the age of five has increased across the county to 20 percent in April from 19 percent last month due to the prolonged dry spell.
“Kenya Red Cross is also carrying out an integrated Medical Outreach and supplying nutritional supplements in the three north eastern counties of Wajir, Mandera and Garissa,” he said.