Committee formed to develop strategies to mitigate drought

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said that a multi-sectoral approach is underway to develop strategies to mitigate the drought situation in the country.

Speaking at a press brief on Friday, Gachagua said that  a committee has been formed to seek ways of intervening the drought menace.

"We have agreed on the formation of county coordinating teams to be co-chaired by governors and county commissioners as the focal point of driving the humanitarian intervention," Gachagua said.

The DP said the county teams are expected to hold their first meeting on Tuesday in all the affected counties.

"The committee will appraise the situation and identify the needs and the interventions that are required and come back to report to the national secretariat for intervention and supply of relief food," Gachagua said.

The drought has affected 23 counties with about 3.5 million Kenyans severely affected.

About 4.35 million Kenyans in 10 counties will need humanitarian assistance by October as drought continues to wreak havoc.

Leaders from North-eastern asked President William Ruto to declare the ongoing drought a national disaster for the affected counties to get more aid.