By Betty Luke
More than 200 vulnerable residents from Kambi ya Juu ni Isiolo have benefited from food donations from a charitable organisation.
Ms Mary Lokal, a beneficiary, thanked the Star of Hope (Soha) for extending a helping hand saying that in most instances, beneficiaries were being picked based on their tribe and religion.
“The beneficiaries were both Muslims and Christians and there was no discrimination on basis of tribe and religious affiliations,” Ms Lokal told The Press Point adding that the food would take her family for at least a week.
Another beneficiary, Mr Salesio Mwirigi said the donation came in handy as his family was struggling to afford a single meal due to the effects of drought and Covid-19.
“Today our children will be so happy because they have not had such a meal in recent time,” said Mr Mwirigi.
The Star of Hope Association Administrator Ahmed Sett said all the 250 families, identified by the association in partnership with local elders, received a five-kilogram pack of maize flour and a kilogram of meat.
“We partnered with elders to identify the neediest cases and are the ones who have benefited today,” said Mr Sett.
An elderly woman receives maize flour from the Star of Hope Association at Kambi ya Juu mosque. BETTY LUKE/PRESS POINT
Mr Sett urged other well-wishers to support the needy to cushion them against the harsh economic times.
“We urge other organisations and the government to chip in and help the families that are grappling with hunger,” he appealed.
Some 147, 400 Isiolo residents, translating to about 55 percent of the county’s total population are in dire need of food aid according to data from the National Drought and Management Authority (NDMA).
Reports show that 69 percent of the county’s residents live below the poverty line, which is higher than 46 percent nationally.
The county government was asked to assist those in dire need of food while well-off residents were urged to share the little they have with those who lack.
“Our leaders should come to the aid of majority of us who are faced with hunger,” said Ms Sadia Ibrahim adding “Politics should not divide us but we should instead unite and love another”
