Starvation, human-wildlife conflict as drought ravages Coast counties

A long queue of locals waiting for water at Chikuyu in Kwale County. Locals travel way far from their home to get water which they get after three to four days. The area, especially Bofu areas in Kwale County have been hit by drought. [Photo/Kelvin Karani/Standard]

Drought at the Coast has now been reported in Taita Taveta, Lamu and Kwale counties after sweeping through vast swathes of Kilifi County.

Government reports indicate the prolonged drought has led to famine for people and livestock in Kilifi and Kwale, and wildlife in the vast Tsavo conservation area of Taita Taveta. Authorities report that wildlife is straying out of its habitat to attack people and domestic animals and destroy crops in human settlements.