Kenya has received a donation of rice from China to help with government efforts to combat drought in parts of the country. Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa disclosed on Wednesday that they received 3000 bags of rice from China.
Just received a donation of 30,000bags Of rice from The People’s Republic of China to compliment GOK relief food distribution in 23 drought affected Counties. pic.twitter.com/z2cmdcQwHV
— Eugene L. Wamalwa (@EugeneLWamalwa) August 28, 2019
A number of governors and political leadership from the affected counties were present at the flagging off ceremony. Wamalwa stressed that necessary safety clearance had been undertaken by relevant state authorities.
Half of Kenya’s 47 counties are currently battling with drought which has led to rising food insecurity and the need for government intervention.
At least 3 million people across the country will badly need relief food if the current drought worsens and food prices continue to rise. #NTVTonight @lillianKiarie @SmritiVidyarthi pic.twitter.com/WimQ4SfALq
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) August 28, 2019
The CS revealed that 23 counties have been affected by the drought.
However, Kenyans online have resented the government’s dependence on foreign aid to feed its own people.
One netizen, Kamaa claimed that corruption has eaten away everything to an extent that the country cannot feed its own people.
You and that big smile there flagging of shame in form of food donations.
Pesa ya kusaidia wakenya imekulwa na corruption watu wanapewa chakula wakasaidiane.
Na hata hakuna aibu.
— Kamaa (@K_Elvo) August 28, 2019
Others have questioned the legibility of the rice with most being anxious after reports that China manufactures plastic rice.
Heee…from where? Let’s just hope they’re not bags of plastic “rice “
— Wuodkolunga (@wuodkolunga) August 28, 2019
Rice donations from China? Probably some plastics. Back to @EugeneLWamalwa, you people have failed this nation.
— Whispers (@WhispersOti) August 28, 2019
There are those who wondered why Wamalwa was glorifying relief food.
A whole CS without an iota of shame glorifying relief FOOD from china. You’re embarrassing the very able and hard working citizens you serve. This tweet is an insult to the GOK big 4 agenda. Do these people ever think?? (Thinking out loud) smh! 😡😡
— Ian njiru (@ianjiru) August 29, 2019