- "The constitution talks about the right to food and doesn't talk about the right to be fed, the food deficit in Kenya is huge," he said.
- In February, USAID announced a boost of Sh15,978,060,000 to the country for food assistance.
Image: FILE
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has said his ministry will do its best to ensure no Kenyan dies of hunger.
Speaking while appearing before the committee in Parliament, Linturi said leaders should come together to participate in reducing the gap.
"The constitution talks about the right to food and doesn't talk about the right to be fed, the food deficit in Kenya is huge," he said.
On Tuesday, President William Ruto-led Cabinet allocated Sh23.96 billion for drought interventions.
The funds will be used to provide interventions in food assistance, water, livestock, peace and security, from April to October, amid concerns that the situation is getting worse.
“The sectors most affected by the crisis include food security, livestock, water, crops production, and education, among others,” the dispatch reads.
According to Ruto's Cabinet, the situation has been complicated by the rising frequency of insecurity in Turkana, Samburu, Baringo, West Pokot, Laikipia, Marsabit, Isiolo and Garissa counties.
Kenya has now experienced four consecutive failed rainy seasons.
The Kenya Red Cross says close to 400,000 people are in dire need of relief food.
The deteriorating drought situation has continued to severely impact the food security and livelihoods of vulnerable households.
In February, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a boost of Sh15,978,060,000 to the country for food assistance.
Over four million Kenyans have been affected by the ongoing drought.
In a press release, USAID said the amount will allow its partners to meet the urgent needs of approximately 1.3 million people across Kenya.
"USAID will provide emergency food items such as sorghum, maize, yellow split peas, and vegetable oil for families living in areas where local markets are not functioning," the statement read.
Further, the agency said its partners will provide cash-based assistance for families to purchase food staples, which will, in turn, support local economies.
"USAID will also support programs to prevent and treat child malnutrition, as more than 970,000 children ages five and younger are acutely malnourished across the country," the agency said.
President William Ruto thanked the agency for its generosity to very deserving people suffering due to drought.
Through his official Twitter account, Ruto said the government is focused on harvesting to enhance food and livestock production to manage climate change.
"On behalf of the people of Kenya, my profound gratitude to the government for this generous support to very deserving people suffering the worst drought due to 4 years consecutive failed rains," he tweeted.