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As Kenya marks the World Food Day, a new report indicates 3.4 million Kenyans could die due to hunger if urgent measures are not put in place to address the catastrophe.
In the Horn of Africa region, 15 people are facing starvation, according to a report by United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs released last Friday.
The report states the recent drought that continues to ravage different countries in the region had contributed to food scarcity.
“In Kenya, 3.4 million people are now estimated to be facing severe food insecurity with 800,000 people initially classified as ‘stressed’ from July to September deteriorating into severe in October as per the long rains assessment projection… In north Rift Valley, persistent heavy rains into October have constrained harvesting and drying of maize crops,” read the report.
World Food day is usually marked by more than 150 countries around the world with the aim of revitalising international and national solidarity in the combat against hunger, malnutrition and poverty and is observed on October 16 every year.
In Kenya, celebrations were postponed due to the electioneering period. The country will mark the world food day today, with celebrations held in Uasin Gishu County.
The theme for this year is change the future of migration.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett told The Standard this year’s theme focuses on human movement, often from rural to urban areas because of hunger and poverty.
“Investing in agriculture and rural development will contribute to sustainable development, harness migration potential and build the resilience of displaced and host communities,” he said.
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