This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
September 14, 2019, marked a somber day in Kenya's history, with at least 10 people dying of hunger and over a million more living in desperate conditions due to drought and economic hardship.
As the nation grappled with the devastating consequences of food insecurity, our leaders were engaged in a heated blame game, deflecting responsibility from their own actions.
The root cause of Kenya's food insecurity lies in the government's control of land, which has led to the monopolization of agricultural production. This has resulted in farmers struggling to access quality seeds, fertilizers, storage, and payment for their produce.
The government's control of land is further exacerbated by its use of hoarding as a tactic to destabilize the market and buy food cheaply, affecting maize and cane farmers. The sugar and maize scandals are a stark reminder of the government's role in perpetuating food insecurity.
Changing weather patterns have also taken a toll on food production, while mega projects like the stalled Galana Kulalu model farm, which cost Sh7.2 billion, have failed to deliver, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill.
The arrest of a hungry man in Tharaka Nithi for slaughtering a dog to be his first meal in three days is a stark reminder of the country's failure to address poverty and food insecurity.
It is high time for our leaders to take responsibility for their actions and prioritize the welfare of its citizens. The Big Four agenda, which includes making Kenya food secure, must be taken seriously, and not just be empty words.
