The government has warned that 2.6 million people are facing starvation, as the current drought continues to bite.
Devolution Cabinet secretary Eugene Wamalwa yesterday said from February, the number of people in need of food assistance has increased from 1.1 million to 2.6 million currently.
Speaking after receiving a consignment of 30, 000 bags of rice from China in Nairobi, he said the current situation was as a result of poor rainfall during October-December short rains while the long rains were poor in the Arid and Semiarid counties.
The most affected counties are Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit and Tharaka Nithi. Others are Isiolo, Kitui, Makueni, Tana River, Laikipia, Embu, Kilifi, Nyeri, Lamu and Baringo.
Enough resources “Though we have not recorded any deaths, it is very clear that the drought situation has been worsening each and every day. Most Kenyans especially in Asal counties, most of them as a matter of fact sleep hungry without even taking a glass of water,” said Wamalwa.
He said the government will continue to support the affected people saying the government has enough resources to feed Kenyans facing hunger.
