Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui on Thursday launched the Nakuru Community Support Initiative -an emergency support initiative to cushion the vulnerable who have been affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative is a partnership between the County Government of Nakuru and the Kenya Red cross.
Addressing media during the launch, Kinyanjui said the emergency Support targets the urban residents who have been rendered jobless due to the pandemic.
“We are not targeting on rural poor people but those in urban who have been rendered jobless due to COVID-19 pandemic” said Kinyanjui.
He added that for the last two weeks baseline survey had been conducted that helped determine the degree of need.
Nakuru County Red cross coordinator Elizabeth Akinyi on her part assuring residents of Nakuru that the organization will use all the items at their disposal to ensure they cushion the needy in society during the pandemic.
“As Red Cross, our is to assure that we shall use all the items at our disposal to reach out to the needy in society” she said.
Meanwhile a committee has also been availed that will ensure the humanitarian support food is distributed in a planned order to avert injuries and chaos.
Governor Kinyanjui noting that there have been cases where donors and well-wishers have distributed food to the needy but then some much needy cases arises afterwards.
He said to avert the same; the guidelines issued by the national government should be adhered to
“To avert confusion, the National Government has already given guidelines on how the humanitarian food should be distributed and that is what should be adhered to” he said.
In line with this, Kinyanjui noted that already a command center has been set up and well-wishers are urged to assist with various items channeled to Red Cross office next to Mama Ngina Primary in Shabaab.
He reiterated that with proper coordination then no needy person will be left out during the distribution of the food.
The Governor also calling on those with vehicles that can offer transportation of the food to do so by contacting the Red Cross office in Nakuru.
While citing that as leaders they are also equally disturbed by the continued failure by residents to adhere to restrained movement in the prohibited counties, the county boss stated that they will intensify the patrols.
He however called on Nakuru residents and Kenyans at large to ensure they adhere to the guidelines set by government in the fight against COVID-19.
He warned those trying to go against the set standards and guidelines that the law will face up with them.
Similar sentiments echoed by Nakuru County Commissioner Erastus Mbui who stated that the security team has had a few challenges in the slum areas of Nakuru.
“There are some individuals who are taking this issue very casually and it’s upon us who understand to share information and ensure everyone is in compliance. Its a communal responsibility to ensure we are successful” he said.
Then county Commissioner calling on residents around Salgaa and Mai Mahiu to ensure they be extra vigilant to avert contamination.
Mbui who is also the Chairman County Security Committee said they will be scrutinizing to ensure that no unauthorized persons are transported in cargo vehicles.
He noted that they have sensed quite a number of ‘panya routes’ on the borders of Nakuru and Nyandarua counties for those trying to move to Nairobi but they will deal with anyone who tries to contravene the Presidential directive on movement.
“We have sensed quite a number of panya routes on the borders of Nakuru and Nyandarua.Be warned that if found the law will face up with you as per the gazette notice and legal action will follow” he said.