CS Ruku: 3.3 million Kenyans affected by drought, 23 counties at risk

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has revealed that 3.3 million Kenyans are currently affected by drought, with 23 arid and semi-arid counties facing varying levels of risk.

CS Ruku, who spoke during an interview on Citizen TV’s 'Tonight' show on Thursday night, said the number of affected Kenyans has sharply increased over the past month.

He noted that the statistics derived from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) revealed that 2.1 million Kenyans were affected by drought in January, but the number has since increased to 3.3 million in February.

“The National Drought Management Authority is the government institution which collects data on a day-to-day basis on the drought situation in the country. The number of people who are affected at the moment...one month ago it was about 2.1 million Kenyans, but as per this week, we are about 3.3 million Kenyans who are affected by this drought," he said.

“The counties which, according to the National Drought Management Authority, are at a very severe phase are four counties: Mandera, Wajir, Kwale, and Kilifi counties.”

The CS disclosed that counties classified under the alarm phase - described as very critical - include Baringo, Tana River, Kajiado, Kitui, Lamu, Samburu, Laikipia, Narok, Turkana, Isiolo and Marsabit, adding that government interventions are being aligned to the specific needs of each county.

He further underscored the importance of livestock to affected communities, noting that many families depend on animals such as camels, goats, cows and sheep for their livelihoods.

On the immediate needs of those affected, the CS cited water, food and nutrition support as top priorities.

“Water is one of the very most immediate needs. Food, both for human beings and also food for livestock, as well as nutrition support. These are three key things or support which are required," he said.

Ruku said the government has committed significant resources towards mitigation efforts since July last year, including Ksh.6 billion spent in December and January alone.

“For this December and January, the government of Kenya has spent Ksh.6 billion to ensure that we have enough food which is being distributed by the State Department for Special Programmes across all these counties, and also to get food for livestock which we are distributing, and also to pool all the government resources or assets which can be used in water trucking,” he said.

The CS revealed that the said resources have been mobilised from the National Youth Service (NYS), the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and regional water bodies to support water trucking operations set to roll out.