Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to Kenyans for help in mitigating the effects of the raging drought which has caused famine in many parts of the country.

The second in command asked Kenyans to donate surplus food that will be made available to starving families across the country. He said this when he officiated the opening ceremony of Agricultural Society of Kenya Mombasa International Show on Thursday at Mkomani Showground.

The DP also revealed that President William Ruto will officially launch the distribution of relief food this weekend as the government seeks to alleviate the suffering brought about by the unprecedented drought as rains have failed for four years in a row.

The government has been asking well wishers and the private sector to chip in and help there fellow Kenyans. This has divided opinion as some Kenyans have fears over the money being misappropriated.

However others have heeded the call and donated, in the event which was held at the coastal city, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) gave Ksh.2.1 million for the drought response kitty.

“I wish to single out efforts made by the Kenya Private Sector Association (KEPSA), the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), the Kenya Red Cross Society who are playing a key role in the distribution of relief food, development partners and 12 international humanitarian agencies as well as Kenyans of Goodwill in response to the drought situation,” he said.

The government has already set aside KES 2 billion for the 4 million Kenyans reportedly on the verge of starvation. DP Gachagua promised better response in future from the government even as he assured the public that their donations will be safe from misappropriation.

Gachagua also said that the government will invest in Agriculture which is a key pillar in their manifesto as it is the docket tasked with ensuring food security.

“The Kenya Kwanza Government has prioritised Agriculture as one of the 5 pillars of our economic recovery plan, alongside Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Housing and Settlement, Healthcare and the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy,” he said.