4.3 Million Kenyans At Risk Of Acute Famine As Gov’t Needs Sh15 Billion To Avert Crisis – Kobia

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug, 4 – The lack of adequate rainfall across various parts of the country could see about 4.3 million Kenyans face starvation with the government striving to come up with ways that will cushion affected Kenyans alongside their livestock.

The situation is expected to become even dire amid the persisting trend if no measures are put in place by December 2022.

“The weather outlook indicates that there will be generally depressed rainfall across all the Arid and Semi-Arid counties during the October-December rainfall season due to La Nina hence the prospect of a fifth failed rain season,” said Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia

The CS said that the government requires at least Sh15 billion to combat the drought that has resulted in a food security crisis.

During a consultative meeting between the government and development partners in the country’s capital Nairobi, Kobia said that almost all the counties have been affected by the current drought and rainfall shortage.

An assessment by the government established that 23 counties are the most affected while 24 others are also on the brink of battling a food crisis.

“I must say that quite a lot has been done but the reality on the ground is that the crisis is literally getting out of hand and we are overwhelmed while still looking for a lasting solution,” said the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya Stephen Jackson.

In a bid to lessen the effects of the drought the government has rolled out several measures including a cash trader programme as well as a livestock offtake programme.

Water projects and the provision of animal feed programmes have also been launched by the government.

Over Sh4.9 billion in food aid, commercial livestock off takes and water response activities have been spent by the government while a total of over Sh10 billion in cash transfer programmes under the Hunger Support National Programme targeting the elderly, orphans and vulnerable children and the disabled since September 2021.

A complimentary initiative dubbed, ‘Lisha Jamii’ established by the World Food Programme will provide food assistance to 89,000 families across 12 counties that are facing acute food insecurity.

A food assistance programme will see families receive Sh6,500 monthly for the next six months.