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The national government has commenced distribution of relief food to hunger-stricken families.

This comes at a time when drought has continued to worsen due to lack of adequate rainfall.

Over three million Kenyans are currently affected by the drought that has already hit 10 counties — including Isiolo, Mandera, Samburu, Tharaka Nithi, Turkana, Wajir, Laikipia, Tana River and Marsabit.

These counties passed the alarm stage in September this year.

By January, the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) had bought 11,250 cattle and 3,200 sheep and goats from counties most affected by famine.

Four failed harvests

In Makeuni county, at least 5,000 families will benefit from relief food distributed  by the Deputy President’s wife, Dorcas Gachagua, following prolonged drought that has lasted four seasons.

Beneficiaries are drawn from Kathozweni (2,000), Kibwezi West (1,500) and Kibwezi East (1,500) sub-counties.

They will receive rice, beans, maize flour and green grams.

Speaking at Kathozweni playground on Saturday, Mrs Gachagua said the food was donated by Kamili Packers Ltd, Elgon Kenya Ltd, AMS Properties, Andrew Wemyss Trust and Joymax Millers. The Kenya Red Cross is assisting with logistics.

“I appeal to all Kenyans of goodwill to respond to the great need of saving lives of fellow country men and women,” she said after flagging off two lorries transporting food to Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West.

 During the occasion, Mrs Gachagua said the government has donated 280 bags of rice and another 280 bags of beans to be distributed to needy schools in the county. 

“This initiative is to complement government intervention in food distribution, cash transfers and drilling of bore holes to boost food security in the country,” she added.

Mrs Gachagua further disclosed that she is targeting to reach 50,000 families countrywide facing starvation through the initiative, adding that so far 10,000 families in Narok and Solio have been assisted.

Facing starvation

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr said 246,913 people are facing starvation. He lauded the national government for the initiative of distributing relief food to alleviate their suffering.

In Nakuru county, the national government released relief food to hunger-stricken sub-counties  after reports that 70,000 people are at risk of starvation.

Despite Nakuru being among the major food producers in Kenya, the county was recently listed among those set to benefit from the relief food programme.

At least 11 trucks of relief food were released to the county at the weekend. The food will be distributed to deserving families through the help of Ward administrators and assistant chiefs.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, while flagging off the first batch at the county headquarters on Saturday, said distribution of the food would take place immediately to ensure those in need get it in time to ensure no life was lost.

“Despite not being among the arid and semi-arid areas, Nakuru has some very dry places, and food production has been very low. Farmers have had very poor harvests and this has affected a sizeable number of people,” said Kihika.

She regretted that climate change and expensive farm inputs had affected production in the county — one of Kenya’s major food baskets.

Kihika said Nakuru has now been listed among ASAL counties that will be benefiting from relief food programmes by the national government.

“The national government has brought in mitigation measures to curb famine by investing in food production. We know this will work well and, in turn, boost the output,” said Kihika. 

She said Nakuru county had received 11 trucks containing 50kg, 400 bags of rice, and 160 bags of beans which will be delivered to all constituencies in the county.

Work in synergy

On his part, County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo said the first phase will go a long way in assisting those affected by famine within the county. 

“We must all work in synergy with the national government to ensure we have enough food production. Farmers need to take advantage of the short rains,” said Kitiyo.

In Kiambu county, distribution of relief food in Thika East turned chaotic when scores of residents scrambled for rations, disrupting the exercise.

The incident occurred at Gatuanyaga chief’s centre where hungry villagers caused a stampede, with some overwhelming the security personnel and taking off with sacks of rice and beans.

This occurred as local leaders, led by MP Alice Ng’ang’a and Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Hellen Chege, sent appeals for more food in the semi-arid area where rains have failed for four seasons.

 Ng’ang’a, accompanied by other MPs from the county, was supervising the distribution of food targeting vulnerable groups like the disabled and the elderly.

But upon getting wind of the donation, hundreds of hungry residents descended on the venue, demanding a share. 

Security officers had a hard time controlling the mob, but finally managed to restore order and the exercise resumed. 

“This is a clear indicator that our people are in dire need of relief food. As a temporary measure, we need more supplies to feed them,” said Ng’ang’a, adding that plans for construction of dams are already under way to improve food security.

She said the area that borders Machakos County has a rich agricultural potential which can be exploited through irrigation.

The DCC, on her part, said about 3,800 families in Thika East have been identified as among those in need of food support.

“The number of people sleeping hungry in the area has soared. The government has lined up interventions to ensure that every deserving person receives food aid,” said Chege.