Machakos
Saturday May 11, 2024 2024
KNA by Anne Kangero
The government has embarked on the process of replacing vital identification documents for Kenyans affected by floods, State Department for Immigration and Citizens Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has said.
Prof Bitok said the state department will visit each of the counties affected by the floods and replace birth certificates, IDs and passports lost by the flood victims.
He spoke at the Meat Training Institute in Mavoko when he led a tree planting exercise.
“We have set up a centre in Nyayo house for emergency replacement of your documents,” said Bitok.
He called upon Mavoko residents to keep on planting trees which will help curb the severity of the floods that have been caused by climate changes.
At least 3,000 tree seedlings were planted towards the realisation on the government’s target of 15 billion trees by 2032.
“Everyone must come out to plant trees which will help in solving the effects of climate change,” said Prof Bitok.
Athi River Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Mwangi on his part hailed Mavoko residents for their cooperation and support during the floods which helped in saving lives.
He encouraged them to plant trees not only in the institutions but also in their homes and work places.
Member of County Assembly Jeremiah Kaloi urged Mavoko residents to focus on taking care of trees after planting and creating a better environment.
The MCA decried the dire situation of the displaced flood victims in Athi River and called upon the government to intervene by giving them alternative land in Mavoko.
He also called upon the government to give Athi River flood victims Sh 10,000 stipend to help them rebuild their lives.
Other officials who participated in the tree planting exercise included officers from the Immigration department, County Director of Environment, Sub County Administrator, Members of the County Assembly and Athi River National Government Administration Officers (NGAO).
Courtesy of KNA