National Government, Development Partners to Help us Mitigate El Nino Impact-DG Kanani

By MWINGI TIMES TEAM 

This enormous budget requires support from the National Government and development partners hence the need for continued partnership during the El Nino rains season.

Further consultation with the National Government and the National Drought Management Authority,  NDMA,  informed the above change in disaster preparedness budget. "When we interrogated the matter deeply with partners such as the National Government and NDMA,  we realised that considering the likely destruction,  preparedness measures and the repair of damages, we would need up to KSh1.2billion", said Deputy Governor Dr Augustine Kanani. 

The funding will help Kitui County Government repair damaged infrastructure and boost emergency services which need quick responses.

The two levels of government assured residents of Kitui County that measures are being put in place to protect lives,  sources of livelihoods and infrastructure. 

Kitui Deputy Governor Dr Augustine Kanani said the County Executive had already set aside KSh103 million to assist in reducing the negative impact of El Nino rains.  

The disaster mitigation budget shortfall is expected to be financed by the National Government and development partners and other stakeholders. 

Governor Malombe urged Kitui residents to focus on the good side of the expected abundant rains rather than only the negative effects. This, he said, presented an opportunity to improve food security and boost the local economy as water availability will be assured. "We therefore encourage all residents, particularly farmers and households to take advantage of the rains by investing in water harvesting and storage ", the governor said.