Garissa stocks 20,000 food bags ahead of El Niño rains

Garissa County Commissioner John Cheruiyot speaking at a function in Garissa town. /STEPHEN ASTARIKOGarissa has stocked more than 20,000 bags of food across its 12 sub-counties as authorities prepare for possible flooding and other emergencies linked to the expected El Niño rains.

Garissa County Commissioner John Cheruiyot said additional supplies were also being transported to the county as part of the government’s anticipatory response.

“The government has undertaken what we call the pre-positioning of food to ensure that it is available when needed. If the El Niño rains occur, residents can walk to their nearest sub-county office and receive food assistance,” Cheruiyot said.

He said the existing stocks had been distributed across the county and included rice, beans and cooking oil stored in government cereal stores.

“We have enough food stocks to support the El Niño response. We currently have more than 20,000 bags of food, and another consignment is already on its way to Garissa,” he said.

Cheruiyot urged residents not to panic over access to relief supplies, saying the food had been deliberately positioned closer to communities so it could be distributed quickly if the rains caused flooding, displacement or disruption of livelihoods.

The government has also distributed 19,000 bags of livestock pellets across the 12 sub-counties to help protect animals from the effects of changing weather conditions.

Cheruiyot said the feed was particularly intended for calves, goats and sheep.

“This is meant to help calves, goats and sheep remain strong and withstand the expected changes in weather that will come with increased rainfall,” he said.

He said authorities were taking an anticipatory approach, with further response measures to be activated if the situation deteriorated.

“We are therefore taking an anticipatory approach, after which we will move to the response phase if necessary. I therefore want to allay any fears that the food will be taken elsewhere. The food we have is meant for the residents of Garissa,” he said.

His remarks came after Baraki Ward MCA Hassan Geley raised concerns over the decision not to immediately distribute relief food to residents affected by prolonged drought.

Geley, who comes from Lagdera Sub-County, said the dry conditions had severely affected both residents and livestock.

“We have an issue with the government’s decision to withhold the distribution of relief food. I come from Lagdera Sub-County, and the situation there, just like in many other parts of the county, remains difficult. There is no rain, and the drought has affected not only animals but human beings as well,” Geley said.

The MCA claimed that about 10,000 bags of rice were available but had not been distributed because authorities were preparing for the expected rains.

“As we speak, our people are suffering because of the drought, yet they cannot get any assistance from the government although there is food meant for them,” he said.

Geley urged the county administration to release the food to vulnerable residents before the rains arrive.

“When we talk about the government, it should not be mistaken for those sitting in offices. The government is the common mwananchi, and that mwananchi is suffering,” he said.

“My appeal to the county commissioner is to give a directive that will see the food distributed to our suffering people,” he added.

The Kenya Meteorological Service has warned that several counties could receive above-average rainfall during the October-November-December season.

Acting head of the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority Edward Muriuki said rains had already started in parts of 24 counties, including areas of the Coast, western Kenya and the Rift Valley, and were expected to spread to other parts of the country.

Garissa faces risks from both prolonged drought and flooding, with heavy rains capable of disrupting transport, damaging infrastructure and affecting livestock and livelihoods.

Baraki MCA Hassan Geley speaking at the function. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Government relief food stored at the Garissa cereals store./STEPHEN ASTARIKOFarms in Garissa flooded./STEPHEN ASTARIKO