Kiraitu to end dependency on relief food in Meru

Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has vowed to end the dependency on relief food by banning its distribution in the county.

Kiraitu said that in collaboration with The Kenya Red Cross Society, he will introduce the Ndengu Revolution in arid and semi-arid areas of the county.

The Ndengu Revolution is a program where the Red Cross gives farmers free green grams and offers expertise on how to get a bumper harvest.

According to the governor, the program will begin when the long rains start in March this year. The county is embarking on registering farmers for the program.

“In four years’ time, Meru will not be receiving relief food. My dream is to make Meru food secure in four years,” said Kiraitu.

Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Abass Gullet praised the initiative saying that the move will go a long way in ensuring that Meru becomes food secure.

“It’s not morally acceptable for a country with 54 years independence to keep on relying on aid and that’s why we want to partner with the government of Meru to offer this long term solution,” said Dr. Gullet.

This program is similar to one launched in Kitui County on January 13.

He banned distribution of relief food in his constituency and initiated an irrigation program that has seen the constituency lead in banana farming up to date.