By John Ikani
Kenyan ministers will forgo their salaries for one month in solidarity with people who have been affected by the ongoing drought in parts of the country.
The resolution was arrived at during the third meeting by the country’s apex organ Tuesday that was chaired by President William Ruto.
“In solidarity with all Kenyans affected by the ongoing drought, the meeting resolved that all Members will forgo one-month salary as their individual and collective contribution towards the ongoing State interventions that support all the Kenyans affected by the drought,” a Cabinet dispatch stated.
Millions of Kenyans are currently facing hunger amid the ongoing drought and are in dire need of food aid.
The Cabinet which further resolved that 30 million bags harvested by farmers would be given market access priority, also decided that private sector imports will start in Feb 2023.
“In recognition of the annual consumption trends of about 45
million bags of maize, and mindful of the solemn duty of the State to secure the affordability of the basic food items; the deficit arising from the lower than expected domestic yields will be bridged through the importation of 10 Million bags of maize,” the dispatch stated.
“The importation by the private sector will commence in February,2023 and it shall be incentivized by way of a customs duty waiver.”
Last week, the government announced a funds drive for Kenyans to donate to victims of the drought including through a mobile money platform.
