Ray of hope for Mandera
By Martin Masinde
There’s need for the electorate to give mandate to responsible leaders. This advice was given by Mandera West parliamentary aspirant Ali Mohammed Abey during the award of certificate of Narc Kenya.
Mr Abey says its a pity that 60 years down independence we still have issues like famine and drought. ‘most of the farmers at staring at death due to prolonged drought,” something I need to address,’ he said.
He says he is the change agent that Mandera desperately need. Drought has decimated livestock which is the main livelihood activities in the Northern frontier.
On the issue of IDPs the sharp legislator said there’s need for them to be provided with water, shelter, health and other amenities
“These internally displaced families need urgent attention. We need to advocate for policies that help mitigate disastrous effect of this cyclic drought,” he said.
He lamented on the huge number of drought induced displacements are settling at the periphery of all major locations and sub locations.
“It’s a complete paradox: drought wipes out livelihood (livestock) and again when the rains come after a long wait also clears remaining stock via flood. If only flood water is harnessed and be used for productive activities issues of drought disaster could be gone. I’m presenting myself to address this among other pertinent issues in Mandera,” he added.
He said healthcare and education sectors required an urgent overhaul.
“Existing amenities are just shells with below average to no services. Most health centred have no supplies, schools with no teachers. For example a school in Qarsa Diba village with up to class 6 has one trained teacher who is also the head teacher,” he added.
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