Tana River Community Urges Swift Aid After Floods

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Residents of Garsen North in Tana River County are urging the government to expedite the distribution of rice donated by the Chinese government. They expressed concerns that they have been significantly affected by recent floods, yet assistance from the national government has been delayed.
“I was in the ward yesterday, and my people have not yet received the rice from the national government. I urge the government to speed up the distribution to alleviate their suffering,” said MCA Dumba Semi in a phone interview.
Since the onset of the floods, local churches and civil society organizations have been at the forefront of providing aid. “If we receive the rice from our Chinese friends, we would be grateful. I call on the government to ensure that the real victims receive this aid, as we have seen others benefit instead,” he added.
Additionally, there is a pressing need for the national government to repair the transportation infrastructure that was damaged during the floods. “We are cut off. I appreciate the churches and NGOs that have supported our community with non-food items and cash transfers during these challenging times,” he noted.
Commissioner David Koskei urged residents to be patient, assuring them that the government is finalizing plans for the rice distribution. He explained that an improved system is now in place, allowing aid to reach recipients directly without going through the county, which should expedite the process.
“The good news is that aid designated for Tana Delta goes directly there and does not pass through Hola,” Koskei told the media. “We have not yet received the food aid, but sub-county committees are in place to ensure it is distributed when it arrives.”
On Friday, East African Community PS Harsama Kello received a donation of 14,800 metric tonnes of rice from the Republic of China at the Inland Container Depot in Embakasi, Nairobi. The Chinese ambassador, Zhou Pingjian, presented the donation as part of ongoing humanitarian assistance for regions affected by floods, including Tana River and other arid and semi-arid counties.
Kello mentioned that the rice will be sent to the National Cereals and Produce Board for distribution to the affected areas, which also include Baringo, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana, and Wajir. Approximately two months ago, China pledged over Sh370 million in food aid for flood victims across the country.
Zhang Zhizhong, the deputy head of mission at the Chinese embassy, highlighted that the Red Cross Society of China would also be making a donation. “China reaffirms its commitment to supporting Kenya, fostering a closer community with a shared future,” he stated, emphasizing the deep friendship between the two nations.