The number of Kenyans facing acute starvation is on the rise and could hit 3.5 million if the March-May short rains fail.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’I, the number of Kenyans affected by the ongoing drought in the country currently stands at 3.1 million, a sharp rise from the 2.5 million reported in January this year.

National Disaster

The prevailing drought in the country, which was declared a national disaster by President Kenyatta last year, has affected people across 23 arid and semi-arid counties.

Relief Food

The government has since been distributing relief food and cash transfers to affected households to help mitigate the situation. The cash transfer has reportedly benefited a population of 846,885 so far.

“A hybrid program of cash transfer and food distribution involving Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) has been adopted to expedite access to relief for targeted recipients,” Matiang’i said.

13 counties are the most affected by the food shortage. These include; Marsabit, Wajir, Moyale, Garissa, Turkana, Baringo, Samburu, Tana River and Isiolo.

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