By Betty Luke
Isiolo Deputy Governor Dr Abdi Issa has accused Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) offering humanitarian assistance in the region of concentrating the aid in the far flung areas and leaving out needy residents living on the outskirts of Isiolo town.
Dr Issa said most of the organizations were focusing on specific areas in the remote parts with low populace while leaving out huge numbers in Bulapesa, Wabera and Burat wards that continue to grapple with hunger and poverty.
The Deputy Governor said big number of the NGOs were implementing similar projects within the same areas resulting to unfair distribution of resources and development.
In most cases, you find people from particular area benefit from several projects while none is implemented in areas with huge population such as Wabera that accomodates over 40 percent of Isiolo County’s population.
“Bulapesa, Wabera and Burat are usually left out in NGO-funded projects. Are there no poor people who can benefit in the areas?” Dr Issa posed while noting that at least 60 percent of Isiolo residents live in the three wards.
He stressed on the need for all development partners to ensure equity and fairness while implementing projects.
Dr Issa spoke during the launch of a Sh27 million cash transfer program by NAWIRI, a USAID-funded program, to help fight malnutrition in Ngaremara and Cherab wards.
The project is expected to benefit 600 households with pregnant and lactating mothers, people living with disabilities and malnourished children across 14 villages that are far away from health centers.
Every family will receive Sh7, 500 after every two months for a period of one year, money meant to help the families buy nutritious foods to help avert acute malnutrition.
The county official said the pilot program was of great benefit to the residents and appealed for consideration of Burat, Wabera and Bulapesa wards during the full rollout.
