Opinion: Cushion pastoralists from effects of drought

With no pasture and water for their animals, many poor livestock farmers have watched their livestock die. In most cases, the lost animals are their only source of livelihoods.PHOTO:COURTESY

The Government has declared the drought affecting many parts of Northern Kenya, Coast and Eastern regions a national disaster. The prevailing dry spell is wreaking havoc across the country.

This has come at a huge cost, particularly to pastoralists. In Marsabit County, for instance, it is estimated that over half the livestock has already died. In fact, the Kenya Red Cross Society has classified 13 counties in ‘Alarm’ stage and 10 others on ‘Alert’. Sad stories out of these counties paint a grim and hopeless picture.