Gachagua holds talks with stakeholders on food security

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday held a meeting with state and non-state actors in Garissa county.

The meeting aimed to find lasting solutions and responses to the ongoing drought in the Arid and Semi Arid Lands regions.

"With the delayed short rains being experienced in parts of the country, the government remains committed to finding both short-term  and long-term solutions to the ongoing drought," Gachagua said.

He said such meetings and other similar and continuous exchange of ideas will result in a united approach towards addressing the root cause of the drought.

Gachagua said the support Kenya has received from development partners led by the UN agencies, other multilateral organisations and the private sector cannot be overemphasised.

He said the UN agreed to use a flash appeal process to get funds to help with cushioning the effects of the food insecurity.

Flash appeal is used to encourage international donors, both government and private sector, to contribute funds.

"We are indeed very grateful for their unwavering support despite the current global humanitarian challenges," the DP said.

He was accompanied by Daadab MP Farah Maalim.

This drought is the worst the country has experienced in 40 years.

It has affected 4.35 million people in the country, with the number likely to rise in the coming months.

In its latest report, the National Drought Management Authority said 2.5 million livestock have died due to the biting hunger.

The Kenya Wildlife Service also reported massive wildlife deaths of 49 Grevy’s zebras, 381 common zebras, 512 wildebeests, 205 elephants, 51 buffalos and 12 giraffes in the past nine months.