[David Gichuru, Standard]Over two million Kenyans are facing starvation as a result of a drought that is currently ravaging 12 arid and semi-arid counties. "Some 2.1 million people in 12 counties face severe food shortages following prolonged drought stretching back to the October, November and December 2020 rainy season and poor rains of March April, May 2021. Start NowThe worst affected counties are Turkana, Garissa, Wajir and Marsabit, which have about five per cent of their populations in Acute Food Insecurity Classification (IPC 4) as per the National Drought Management Authority. The Covid-19 pandemic, she said, has also affected drought response activities because certain interventions now cannot be carried out due to Ministry of Health protocols. James Oduor, Chief Executive Officer of the National Drought Management Authority, said a multi-sectoral approach, which also involves UN agencies, is ongoing to tackle the situation both at national and counties level.

Source: Standard Digital August 17, 2021 18:33 UTC