Listen to governor's cry

Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif during an interview in Nairobi on March 9, 2023. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif is an anguished man watching over a population threatened by serious drought.

Rains in the northern part of Kenya have failed for five straight years, with devastating effects. Domestic and wild animals have died in their hundreds due to the drought.

Human beings have not been spared either and the severity of the situation is such that Mr Khalif has called on the national government to declare the drought a national emergency.

Indeed, that declaration could save lives by opening doors for humanitarian aid.

Mr Khalif's call is long overdue and should be heeded. As the man on the ground, he knows how desperate the situation is.