Marsabit county government has formed a joint coordination committee to address the worsening drought situation in the county.
Governor Mohamud Ali said the committee will follow up on all governmental and non-governmental interventions aimed at mitigating the situation.
"All governmental and non-governmental organisations participating in fighting the threat of drought in the county are obliged to cooperate with the committee," the governor said during the committee's meeting on Friday.
The current drought situation in Marsabit county is the most severe and longest.
More than 70 per cent of the county's population are facing high levels of food insecurity.
Governor Ali said almost two-thirds of the county's population are at risk of severe food shortages while 70 per cent of their livestock have already died while the remaining are in poor condition.
"The negative effect of drought are being felt across the county. We remain committed to an all of governmental and non-governmental approach to address the impact of drought and work together on long term solution," he said.
The county boss appealed to development partners and the national government to join hands with his administration and work together in saving the lives and livelihood.
"There is need for joint efforts to cushion the residents from severe drought."
During Friday's meeting, the construction of mega dams in all the subcounties was proposed as a long term solution to the drought problem.
Finance county executive Malicha Boru said the county government initially budgeted Sh400 million for drought mitigation but after the failed rainy season, they requested for additional Sh300 million through supplementary budget.
He said the money was utilised in three phases through provision of assorted foodstuffs across all wards and supply of livestock feeds to worst affected areas.
Marsabit county commissioner Paul Rotich assured residents that the government would do all it can to save lives.
The severe drought being experienced in the county follows a fourth consecutive poor rainfall season which has negatively impacted crop production and worsened livestock health across the county.
Decline in livestock prices and an increase in the price of the commodities have also continued to undermine the purchasing power of households, further exacerbating food insecurity in the county.
