Government declares drought a national disaster

The Government has declared the current drought affecting 23 arid and semi-arid counties and pockets of other areas a national disaster. Speaking after being briefed on the situation on the ground by Cabinet Secretaries involved in drought management and food security at state House Nairobi, President Uhuru Kenyatta called on all stakeholders to support the Government by upscaling drought mitigation programmes.

The President also called on the local and international partners to come in and support the Government’s efforts to contain the situation which has not only affected human being and livestock but also the wild animals. “Support from our partners would complement Governments efforts in mitigating the effects of drought,” said the President. He said the government would fast track and upscale its mitigation programmes to ensure the situation is properly contained.