By Osinde Obare
Crop failure looms large in parts of North Rift following delayed rains, causing panic among farmers.
For nearly three weeks, Trans-Nzoia and West Pokot districts have experienced dry spells with farmers worried over the fate of their crop.
Kenya National Federation of Agricultural Producers (Kenfap) Trans-Nzoia branch Secretary Tom Nyagechanga said the situation would worsen if rains fail this week.
"There is a looming disaster unless it falls within the week. The maize crop is in bad shape due to lack of rain," said Mr Nyagechanga.
spiritual help
The Kenfap official said they planned for special prayers to seek God’s intervention.
The region produces more than 10 million bags of maize annually but the harvest is expected to go down this year. Reports from Kapenguria indicate that the maize crop had withered and dried up after poor rainfall.
"This is another disaster. The rains have failed and our maize has withered," complained Ms Mary Chadukan, a farmer at Murkujit village.
Several pastoralists in West Pokot had turned to farming to fight chronic hunger.
Lifeless maize
Despite the struggle to improve food security, lack of rains subjected the pastoralists to suffering as they stare at the lifeless maize on their farms.
The District Veterinary Officer Toroitich Khisa noted that crop failure would be a catastrophe.
Last week, Pokot elders conducted traditional prayers in Kacheliba constituency for an end to the persistent drought. MPs Reverend Julius Murgur (Kapenguria) and Wilson Litole (Sigor) attended the prayers.
In recent years, the much-anticipated long rains have either delayed or failed completely resulting in severe famine
