Hundreds facing starvation in Marsabit

Over 7,000 families in Marsabit North, Marsabit County are facing starvation due to the prolonged drought in the country.

According to Marsabit North Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Kavulu, the residents who are mainly pastoralists are in urgent need of relief food to alleviate their suffering.

Kavulu appealed to the government and donors to come to the aid of the affected families saying that pasture has been depleted while water pans have dried up. “All the nine locations in this subcounty are affected and the residents are in dire need of humanitarian assistance,” he said.

On Monday, Water and Irrigation CS Simon Chelugui issued a drought warning saying that the dry period will last until April. He however assured Kenyans that the government was well prepared to deal with the situation.

“Considering that drought and floods are natural phenomena, we are already putting in place measures, in liaison with other government agencies and stakeholders to mitigate its effects,” said CS Chelugui.

Data from the National Drought Management Authority indicate that currently, 23 counties are facing drought including Samburu , Tharaka Nithi, Meru (North) and Mandera.