This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
As the country teeters on the brink of another food shortage, it is imperative to acknowledge the systemic failures that have led to this crisis.
Kenya's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, yet the country has consistently failed to ensure food security for its citizens.
According to official projections, only 33 million bags of maize are expected to be harvested this season, a far cry from the 52 million bags targeted.
The causes of this shortage are multifaceted, with farmers growing less maize due to frustrations with the system, including the importation of maize from neighboring countries by cartels.
As a result, local farmers suffered humiliation last year when they were turned away with their produce, with their efforts and investment going to waste.
The land under maize cultivation has also decreased, from 2.2 million hectares last year to 1.5 hectares this season.
Furthermore, the Fall armyworm invasion has had a devastating impact on crops, with the pest having a voracious appetite for maize.
Despite the severity of the situation, not enough efforts have been made to tackle the Fall armyworm invasion.
Additionally, the country's reliance on rain-fed agriculture has been highlighted as a major contributor to the food shortage, with irrigation schemes failing to take off despite heavy investments.
As the National Drought Management Authority reports that over 2.6 million Kenyans are facing starvation, it is clear that the country needs to take drastic measures to address this crisis.
One potential solution is for Kenyans to diversify their diet away from ugali, which is often in short supply, and explore alternative crops such as potatoes, bananas, and millet.
