At least 400 families in Kaeris ward, Turkana North, have received food from the Salvation Army to ease the effects of drought and hunger.
The Salvation Army, Kenya West Territory, has distributed maize, beans, rice, cooking oil, hand soap and water to residents.
The areas worst-affected by drought and hunger are Turkana North and Kibish subcounties.
“We are in Turkana to ease the effects of drought," Hudson Muhalia said. He is the development secretary in the region for the Salvation Army.
"Drought is biting northern Turkana and our people don't have food and water. As a church, we wanted to share what God has blessed us with," he said.
He urged humanitarian agencies and well-wishers to help the community before the situation worsens.
Kaeris resident Atot Awoi said the donation will sustain them for some days.
She said the drought has ravaged the region, leading to the death of livestock they depend on for survival. Some are so emaciated they cannot be sold.
“We have suffered drought since last year. Water sources and pastures have dried up. Out goats, sheep and camels are dying and the situation is getting worse," she said.
She asked for more assistance from the county and national governments.
Kaeris resident Etabo Erukudi deplored the situation and said they are forced to trek more than 30km for water.
“We have nothing left to eat, the region is so dry. We thank the church but this can’t us for long," he said.
Erukundi said people are starving and the county should not delay help.
The Turkana county government said at least 640,000 people are at risk of starvation in the drought.
Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok said more than 150,000 animals have crossed to Uganda in search of water and pasture.
(Edited by V. Graham)
