This archive report was first published on 27 August 2021.
Published on August 27, 2021, a report by the Kenya Red Cross Society revealed a dire situation in Coast region, where over 300,000 residents are facing starvation.
According to the report, 375,976 persons are facing starvation in the region, with 90% of water pans having dried up. The remaining water pans can only serve for a month.
Regional Manager Hassan Musa disclosed that livestock productivity is on the decline and might worsen with livestock deaths being reported in affected counties.
Some of the affected areas include Tana River, Garsen North, Garsen West, Kipini East, Kipini West, Bangale, Hirimani, Chewele, Wayu, Sala, and Madogo, where 78,986 persons are facing hunger.
In Kilifi, which is the most affected, close to 145,379 persons are facing hunger in Adu, Bamba, Ganze, Jilore, Sokoke, Magarini, Dabaso, Kaya Fungo, Mwanamwinga, and Kakuyuni.
Residents have resorted to feeding on wild fruits and roots to keep hunger pangs at bay. Some have even moved to towns in search of menial jobs, while others have dropped out of school to sell charcoal.
Local leaders, including Ganze MP Teddy Mwambire, have warned that people in some parts of the Coast could die of starvation if no aid arrives soon.
However, Kilifi County Commissioner Kutswa Olaka denied knowledge of anybody starving to death in Ganze Constituency, stating that the information had not come to his attention.
