Consecutive failed rain seasons in Marsabit county has worsened the drought situation as residents battle increased cases of malnutrition.
The drought situation is at alarm stage with both humans and livestock at the brink of starvation.
Marsabit secretary Ibrahim Adan Sora on Tuesday said majority of the residents depend on livestock, which has been adversely affected by drought.
He said the current situation must be taken care of by both state and non-state actors.
Sora said well-wishers and all stakeholders ought to continue the drought mitigation and response to cushion the communities.
He said Governor-elect Mohamud Mohamed Ali upon taking the oath of office will focus on how to save the lives.
The county secretary said the Marsabit government has done much in terms of assistance through water trucking, animals feeds distribution and relief aid to most vulnerable people.
He called for continued support from the national government and other stakeholders.
Sora appealed for relief food saying the prevailing drought is in the emergency phase with the water points dried up and there is no pasture.
"The drought here is beyond tolerable levels, we appeal to the national government and donors to come to our rescue," he said.
The official said the current water shortage is due to the failed rainy seasons. "Most water sources are either dried up or strained."
Sora said the county government has tried to address water shortages but the ever increasing demands for the scarce commodity has proven an uphill task for the devolved unit.
While appreciating the support from organisations like NDMA and local NGOs, he called for more partners to come on board to salvage the situation before it deteriorates.
The county secretary however said residents should be advocates of peace during this tough time of drought.
According to the latest assessment by the Marsabit government and the National Drought Management Authority, the county is at an alarm stage with at least 80 per cent of livestock being affected.
County NDMA boss Parkolo Mustafa said nearly a quarter of a million people in Marsabit county are facing starvation as drought worsens.
He said the county failed to receive rain in four consecutive seasons and meteorologist are already warning of another below average October short rain.
"The trend is worsening especially in Laisamis and North Horr," Mustafa said.
He said half of the county's population faces acute levels of food insecurity and immediate measures are needed to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
"The lives of the most vulnerable people are already at risk from malnutrition and hunger, it's a race against time to save lives," Mustafa said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
