More than 2.6 million Kenyans are facing starvation as the drought and hunger situation in the country continues to deteriorate.
The number represents an increase from the estimated 1.6 million people that was recorded in May 2019 during the mid – season assessment.
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that the figures could rise to above 3 million by October.
The agency says the situation has been caused by a below – average and poor performance of long rains between March and May especially in arid and semi – arid areas.
In Wajir and many other arid and semi – arid areas in the country, dehydrated residents and livestock walk in search of water and pasture on a daily basis.
Some have been forced to cross borders into neighbouring Somalia to look for the precious commodity.
Heat waves continue to destroy the little vegetation that was left and most water sources have dried up.
The most affected counties are Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Baringo, Samburu, Isiolo, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit and Tana River, whose inhabitants heavily depend on livestock.
Others in crisis include Kitui, Makueni, Kilifi, Lamu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi.
Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa flagged off 30,000 bags of food on Wednesday from the Inland Container Depot but is yet to communicate on the situation that has worsened.
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