Gov't seeks Ksh.13B to feed 2.1 million Kenyans facing drought

The government is urgently seeking Ksh.13 billion to feed more than 2.1 million people facing starvation across 32 counties.

Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki made the appeal during a meeting with representatives of development partners, non-governmental humanitarian institutions, and the private sector. Ten of the 32 counties are already in alert phase following the failed short rains season.

The ongoing drought situation in the country has triggered severe food insecurity in several regions, with the latest reports warning that people living in ASAL counties are at heightened risk of acute hunger.

In Wajir County, the situation is dire, not just for families struggling to put food on the table, but also for livestock, the backbone of livelihoods in the region. Animals are weak, some unable to stand, as pasture and water sources dry up.

The government says some counties are in critical need of urgent food, water and medical assistance to avert loss of life, while several others remain on high alert.

Ten counties are in critical need of urgent food, water and medical care assistance to avert loss of life for humans and livestock.

The counties are Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kilifi, Kitui, Marsabit, Kwale, Kajiado, Isiolo, and Tana River. Several other counties are on high alert, including Samburu, Turkana, Taita Taveta, West Pokot, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Nyeri, Laikipia, Narok, Baringo, Makueni, Meru, and Lamu counties.

The government says it requires Ksh.7 billion to provide food, water, and medicine for humans for the next three months to cushion those affected, and Ksh.6 billion for livestock, food, water, and an animal off-take program for the next six months.

The government says available food stocks will be distributed immediately to the most affected areas, with a mix of direct food aid and cash transfer programmes to cushion vulnerable households.

The government has appealed to development partners, humanitarian organisations, and the private sector, including Safaricom, Equity Bank, and the Kenya Red Cross, to support the response financially, through food assistance, and with technical expertise.

Prof Kindiki says the most urgent priority for the government right now is saving lives, both human and livestock, as the country braces for prolonged dry conditions.