This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
Kenya is facing a severe drought that has left over 11 counties on the brink of starvation. The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that the situation is reaching an alarming stage, with residents in these counties struggling to access basic necessities.
The affected counties include Wajir, West Pokot, Turkana, Tharaka Nithi, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Samburu, Nyeri – Kieni, Narok, Meru North, and Baringo. In its June report, the NDMA highlighted the worsening situation, with pasture for livestock depleting rapidly.
According to the authority, the body condition of livestock in the North Eastern part of Kenya is poor, with areas such as Buna, Bute, Eldas, and parts of Wajir South and West being the most affected. In Wajir, the available pasture is expected to last for only two weeks due to its quick deterioration.
Across the 11 counties, water pans in all livelihood zones are dry, except for a few that were recharged and are expected to last for less than a month due to intense livestock migration in search of water. In some parts of Migori County, the speed at which water pans are drying up has left livestock keepers worried.
According to the NDMA, most water pans and dams were at 11.1% of their capacity. The authority has warned that the situation is deteriorating, with all three sub-counties of Bura, Galole, and Garsen in Tana River County experiencing drought.
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