President William Ruto has termed as the ‘worst’ in four decades the current drought situation in the country.
Ruto said the situation was dire that it has affected 20 out of the 23 traditionally ASAL counties and 45 wards in nine additional counties in Rift valley, Mt Kenya and Lake Victoria region.
Out of these, 11 counties under the ASAL, he said, are in the drought alarm phase.
These are Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia, Garissa, Tana River, Mandera, Wajir, Kitui and Kajiado.
"4.5 people in these ASALs and another 846,000 in the non-ASAL counties, he said, are facing acute food insecurity and require immediate relief assistance," Ruto stated.
Some 942,000 children below five years and 135,000 pregnant and lactating mothers are facing malnutrition and require treatment, he said.
An estimated 2.5 million livestock deaths, he stated, have so far been reported in the drought-stricken counties due to lack of vegetation and water.
The president announced that Sh300 million worth of food to 1o most affected ASAL counties have been deployed to mitigate the situation.
The food being distributed through the emergency response fund included: Some 20,000 bags of rice, 24,000 bags of beans and 7,000 cartons of con beef.
"The government allocated a further Sh900 million funds towards procurement of additional food which include 66,000 bags of rice, 88,000 bags of beans and 60,000 cartons of con beef," he stated.
The President said distribution was ongoing in 29 other affected counties with the help of humanitarian groups, UN agencies, private sectors, Red Cross and other community organizations.
"We have revamped the county teams that provide a framework for both Red Cross and development partners and government to work together in a seamless manner to ensure the food reaches all corners," he said.
The President disclosed that the government will make available Sh240 million to the Red Cross.
This will be in addition to Sh340 million that has been pledged by other private organizations for use in the purchase of food.
The Kenya wildlife service, he added, will be allocated Sh200 million to support wild animals dying in huge numbers in parks and game reserves to track water.
Con beef will also be made available for children in the affected counties, he said.
