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Bomet governor Hillary Barchok has asked all well-wishers wishing to donate foodstuffs to the needy residents in the county to seek clearance from the office of county commissioner.

Barchok said by doing so they will steer off unnecessary politicization of the issue as was witnessed in Kiambu last week where unsafe food was distributed.

“We want to have all contributions made through a coordinated channel to ensure that all the foodstuffs donated are fit for human consumption…Those wishing to distribute their donations directly to the people must liaise with the county commissioner,” he stated. 

He said,” We want to avoid a scenario where some individuals politicize the issue and that is why as a county government we will not authorize distribution of such donations.”

The governor was speaking on Friday when he launched an initiative aimed at soliciting financial support from well-wishers to gather for the needs of more than 10, 000 vulnerable persons in the county.

Barchok said coronavirus has had adverse effects on the socio-economic well-being of Bomet people, and as such, they needed more resources to alleviate their sufferings occasioned by the pandemic. 

The county, he said, has already identified the most needy from across the county to benefit from the program. 

He pointed out that they have already set aside Sh 50 million towards the kitty that seeks to sustain the affected families who are facing starvation as a result. 

The funds are meant for buying maize to be distributed to the group.

The beneficiaries of this kitty, he added, were vetted to ensure that only the neediest in the villages are supported. 

“To ensure this program succeeds, we have identified a selection committee which made up of Chiefs, County administrators, representatives of women, youth, persons with disabilities and church leaders,” Barchok said. 

He added that the list of selected beneficiaries shall be made public for the purposes of transparency and accountability.