President declares drought-hit areas national disaster

Kenya's president, Mwai Kibaki, has declared a state of national disaster in areas of the country hit by severe shortages of food and water following a prolonged drought, and appealed for donations to alleviate the plight of those affected. "In the next six months, up to 2.5 million of our people will be in need of famine relief," he said in his New Year speech to the nation early on Sunday. The region most affected by the drought is Northeastern Province where, according to news reports, at least 20 people died of malnutrition related illnesses in Mandera and Wajir districts. The situation is also critical in Marsabit District in the north. A significant proportion of farming households in the southeast and coastal lowlands are also under severe food stress, particularly in the Makueni, Kitui, Malindi, Kwale, Kilifi and Taita Taveta districts where long rains failed for the second consecutive year and the short rains were poor. Kibaki said the initial cost estimate for the provision of food was 11 billion Kenyan shillings (US $153 million). However, he said, additional aid will be required to meet other needs arising from the drought. Some of these needs include the provision of water for people and animals, education, healthcare, restocking of livestock, and distribution of seeds to farmers in preparation for the next crop season. The government has stepped up food aid deliveries to the worst affected districts in Northeastern Province, with the army transporting grain and water to some areas. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement it had allocated $326,073 from its disaster relief emergency fund to begin meeting immediate needs of those affected and to start detailed assessment activities.