The council of governors chaired by Martin Wambora (Embu Governor) have issued data on drought that’s affecting people especially those in Arid and Semi Arid areas.
He issued data on drought from the month of October-December last year during the short rain season several counties form Arid and Semi Arid regions being the most affected.
“Due to the October-December 2021 short rain season, the water situation in the country has slightly improved however, the rains were still below average, “said Wambora.
Kilifi and Kwale counties are the most affected as they fall under the extreme vegetation deficit after reporting worst rainfall performance , while Garrisa, Kitui, Lamu,Mandera,Marsabet,Taita Taveta,Tana River and Wijir are experiencing vegetation deficit .
Other counties are listed in the alert drought phase including Embu,Laikipia,Kajiado,Makueni,Meru,Narok,Nyeri,Samburu and Taita Taveta while counties of Garrisa, Isiolo, Kilifi, Mandera, Turkana,Kwale and Tharaka Nithi are in alarm drought phase showing that most counties are experiencing drought calling for immediate interventions .
The worsening drought has significantly affected crop production and damaged livestock leaving about 2.4Million people in ASAL regions precisely at a dire situation.
Water sources for both people and livestock have dried up and herders in North Eastern are counting losses of up to 70percent , forcing them to walk longer distances in search for pastures.
However counties in collaboration with national government have intervened to salvage the situation by providing foodstuffs to the most affected counties.
“In an effort to address the worsening situation,the county governments and the national government have carried out food distribution and livestock off-take programs respectively, “Wambora stated.
The council is also calling on the government and other partners to come up with sustainable measure to support the county government on response management on drought seasons .
“In View of this situation, we are appealing to the National Government and the Development Partners to support counties to ensure provision of timely humanitarian assistance and required drought response action to save lives and livelihoods, “he added.
