Uhuru puts on notice persons taking advantage of drought

President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a stern warning to all persons involved in food distribution of dire consequences if found to be taking advantage of the situation to enrich themselves.

“I will not tolerate anybody who would try to take advantage of this situation to defraud public funds,” said President Kenyatta.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi after a briefing on the drought situation directed that all purchases of food and other requirements be done in a transparent and open manner and that all government agencies must be involved to ensure Kenyans are not defrauded.

“Let all investigative agencies including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission get involved in the activities being undertaken during this period. I don’t want the Government to be accused of taking advantage of this situation.”

In a move aimed at stabilizing the high prices of cereals, the Government would allow maize importation by the licenced millers but would strictly monitor the situation to ensure it is done in a very transparent manner.

The government has further allocated 11 billion shillings to carter for intervention in various sectors in its phase two of drought intervention covering the months of February to April.

The National Treasury has released the first tranche of Ksh 7.3 billion while the county governments have provided Ksh 2 billion.

The Government has also intimated interventions including doubling of food rations and cash transfers among other measures.