Drought, famine in NEP a calamity

Kenya: The northern part of Kenya is known to be the main drought-prone region in the country and researchers have attributed this mainly to the country’s recent abnormal eco-climatic conditions resulting from global warming. At the moment, according to the World Food Programme, Kenya is going through the worst drought since 2000.

About 1.7 million Kenyans in 14 counties, most of which are in the northern part of the country, are experiencing starvation as a result of the on-going drought.

Affected counties include Baringo, Garissa, Isiolo, Kilifi, Kwale, Laikipia, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Turkana, West Pokot and Wajir.

Earlier this year, the Kenya Red Cross warned that if harsh weather trends were to continue, then communities, especially those living in the north-eastern pastoral areas, would face the risk of a terrible drought later in the year.

Turkana, one of the counties mentioned by the Red Cross, is today experiencing one of the worst droughts it has ever faced, with thousands of people in need of massive aid. The northern region has experienced similar severe droughts in the past such as the 1960 drought known as Namotor (meaning “bones exposed”), the 1979–80 drought known as Lopiar (“sweeping everything away”) and the 1992–95 drought known as Longuensil (“when the man with no legs from Oxfam came”). In this century, however, the droughts experienced in northern Kenya are more frequent.

Experts say the frequent droughts are likely to interfere with the country’s attempts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals linked to the elimination of hunger and poverty.

As a result of the prolonged droughts, cattle herders are being forced to seek pasture and water in neighbouring countries. If there are no short rains in October to December as expected, then Kenya could be headed for disaster.