Shocking number of people faced with starvation in Kenya

As each day passes, many Kenyans continue to face starvation, with most affected being those from pastoral areas. Animals have died due to lack of pasture and water to drink.

Desperate herders are forced to walk several kilometers under the scorching sun in search of food and water for their families and livestock.

According to a recent report by the National Drought Management Authority, 200,000 people in Laikipia County, 150,000 in Kilifi County and 230,000 in Kinago and Lunga Lunga sub-counties of Kwale are facing starvation. It is estimated that 1.3million Kenyans are faced with starvation and urgently need relief food.

This is not a new occurrence. For many years, Kenya has been faced with drought, the worst being that of 2011. Despite this, little has been done to find a permanent solution to this problem.

The Government has come up with short-term solutions, such as food provision to the drought-hit areas, but this only sustains the affected people for a few days, and many die of hunger.

The drought is here with us once again and its impact is being felt across the country. Let leaders and policy makers come up with long-term plans that will either put an end to drought.