Families face starvation as famine hits Kenyan counties

More than 50,000 residents of Tana River County, Kenya are staring at death because of the ongoing drought.

Governor of the county, Hussein Dado who disclosed this also warned that the figure could rise to 90,000 if the drought continues.

“River Tana is drying up. There are carcasses all over and the situation is worrying. We’ve distributed food to families in Bangal, Hirimani, Mbalambala, Bura, Charidede, Assa and Kone,” he said.

Dado informed that similar drought was experienced in 1984 when residents of Bura and Galole constituencies abandoned their homes and went to Garsen. He also stated that administration had suspended projects and diverted funds to fighting hunger.

“Let us not wait until deaths are announced. The devolved government has done all it can with the little resources it has,” he said.

Daily Nation reports that in the North Rift, animal prices have dropped drastically in the last few weeks. Officials also note that more than 100,000 people in the North Rift are at risk of starvation

In some parts of the county, a cow which used to sell at Sh30,000 (about N89,000)in November now goes for Sh10,000 (N29,000).

Dado however appealed to the government, donors and well-wishers to help residents of Tana Delta, Tana North and Tana River sub-counties.

Kenya Food Security Steering Group and Early Warning Systems Network Report indicate that asides Tana, some of the most affected counties are Samburu, Marsabit, Isiolo, Garrisa, Mandera and Wajir.