Girls, women and the elderly bear brunt of severe drought

Gathungai River in Kieni has dried up due to drought. It flows from Mt Kenya forest. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

When Mary Wamuyu harvested 15 bags of maize last year, she hoped that it would sustain her and the six grandchildren she lives with. But she was not prepared for what has turned out to be a devastating and prolonged drought.

The granny, 76, from Kieni in Nyeri County depends on agriculture to fend for her grandchildren, after their parents separated.