Government boosts drought relief
The Kenyan government has intensified emergency relief and long-term development efforts to support drought-stricken families in Baringo and other arid and semi-arid regions.
Ruku, the Cabinet secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes. Photo/KBC digital.
By Juliet Jerotich
The Kenyan government has intensified emergency relief and long-term development efforts to support drought-stricken families in Baringo and other arid and semi-arid regions, Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said during a visit Wednesday.
Ruku, the Cabinet secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, said the emergency response aligns with the ministry’s mandate for food security, disaster response, and social empowerment. He toured Kolowa and Chemolingot in Tiaty, Baringo County, on July 24.
“The interventions we are implementing are citizen-centered and evidence-based,” Ruku said. “They align with President William Ruto’s long-term vision of equitable development.”
He was accompanied by Members of Parliament Kamket Kassait (Tiaty), Titus Lotee (Kacheliba), and Sergen Jematia, who praised government-led efforts to improve security and infrastructure in the region.
“This was once a no-go zone,” Kassait said. “Now a Cabinet secretary can visit because of enhanced security under President Ruto’s leadership.”
Ruku cited economic progress under the Kenya Kwanza administration, noting a drop in inflation from 9.8 percent to 3.8 percent, a strengthened Kenyan shilling, and a reduced Central Bank lending rate from 13 percent to 9.8 percent.
Relief efforts in Baringo include food distribution and essential supplies, alongside long-term investments in water and agriculture. Among the key initiatives are the operational Cheraik Irrigation Project and the under-construction Radat Dam. Chemeron Dam is also under rehabilitation to supply water to more than 10,500 households and 150,000 livestock.
The Kerio Valley Development Authority has completed 14 additional water projects in Baringo, including boreholes and small dams, expected to serve over 5,000 households and support 110,000 livestock.
In addition, Ruku announced plans to open more Huduma Centres in the region to make government services like national ID registration more accessible.
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