Sh1b worth of livestock die due to shortage of water and pasture

Several schools in Mandera are experiencing financial stress and cannot feed their students. [File, Standard]

Over 1.5 million heads of livestock have died due to drought in Mandera County.

Governor Mohamed Khalif said the animals are worth close to Sh1 billion which is equivalent to the annual allocation to the county from the National Government. In his speech to the county assembly, Kalif said four years of rain failure in the region has led to the rise in prices of staple foods and water.

He said while drought has affected most parts of northern Kenya, Mandera has borne the brunt of its effects.

"We have lost over 365,000 cattle, 30,000 donkeys, 500,000 goats and 160,000 camels.

"The monetary value of livestock we have lost is over Sh1b, equivalent to the annual allocation from the National Government," Governor Kalif said.

Several schools in Mandera are experiencing financial stress and cannot feed their students.

The hunger crisis could lead to malnutrition which will have a long-lasting impact on the education sector.

"Mandera County Government is supplying water and food to 41 boarding schools and the 312 ECDE centres in the county," he said.

The governor appealed to the National Government and development partners to supplement his efforts.

"We have received and continue to receive support from the National Government and development partners, and we recognise and appreciate their contribution," he said.

"However, due to the severity of the situation, many families still require support for themselves and their livestock. Therefore, we will continue engaging all partners and appeal to all people of goodwill for support."

In addition to seeking support from development partners and the national government, Governor Kalif said his government has taken several steps to deal with emergencies caused by drought.