Editor's Review

Over 4.3 million Kenyans are facing starvation, a figure which could soon hit 5 million. 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that the drought situation has affected many counties outside the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALS) regions. 

During a stakeholder meeting on Thursday, October 6, at Harambee Annex office, Mr Gachagua called for urgent measures to be focused within subcounties and ward levels across the country.

"Let us map the areas with urgent needs from subcounties and ward levels within different counties. 

"The situation in the country is worrying, we need proper frameworks and structures to ensure Kenyans do not die out of hunger," said Mr. Gachagua.

Stakeholders also emphasised for an urgent mapping strategy to combat the raging drought which has hit even regions outside Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASALS).

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a meeting with stakeholders. 

Currently, over 4.3 million Kenyans are facing starvation, a figure United Nations(UN)representative Ms. Gemma Connell said will soon hit 5 million.

Mr Gachagua will on Friday chair another meeting with Governors to come up with urgent solutions. The Deputy President termed cash transfer as the best to reach out needy Kenyans compared to relief food distribution which is costly in terms of logistics.

Foreign affairs PS Macharia Kamau said long term measures were needed to curb the menace spreading to counties known as the country food baskets.

National Drought Management Authority CEO Hared Adan mentioned that they had established a harmonized way of identifying needy Kenyans.