It’s a long-term view on irrigation pledges even as hunger bites

Residents line up to fetch water at Mavoko area in Machakos on 26th Jan 2017.An acute water shortage has hit the area following prolonged drought that is being experienced in most parts of the country . PHOTO: JOHN MUIA/STANDARD

The agony of starving Kenyans is once again hitting the headlines. The drought that began in the last quarter of 2016 has persisted into 2017, exposing the country’s strained grain reserve and lack of a co-ordinated approach in addressing food shortages.

The Government’s response this time round is a Sh16 billion plan to lessen the pangs of hunger in the next six months.