This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
Published on August 22, 2019, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning that the drought ravaging most parts of Kenya will worsen and last until the end of October.
According to NDMA Chief Executive Officer James Oduor, the drought has affected approximately 2.6 million people, with the majority residing in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).
Speaking during the flagging off of eight vehicles to support drought monitoring in select counties, Mr. Oduor emphasized that the situation is likely to continue worsening.
“The situation is likely to continue worsening,” he warned.
Notably, this warning comes three weeks after North Eastern MPs, led by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, appealed for urgent food and water, stating that about 2 million people were on the brink of starvation.
Mr. Duale attributed the acute food, water, and pasture shortage in the region to the failed long rains between April and May.
“We ask the national and county governments, and international donors to come to the aid of the people affected by the drought,” he said.
Some of the most affected areas include Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Samburu, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, and Tigania West.
NDMA CEO James Oduor stated that they had reached out to 23 counties in dire need of food, while 12 other counties were receiving other forms of intervention, including livestock feed supplements and water.
“We have been intervening and as the situation worsens, we upscale the intervention,” Oduor said.
He added that NDMA had spent Sh218 million towards drought intervention from February.
“NDMA has disbursed Sh218 million to Baringo, Garissa, Isiolo, Laikipia, and Mandera among others,” said NDMA board chair Raphael Nzomo.
