John Munene, a resident
of Mitheru ward, Maara constituency in Tharaka
Nithi County can best tell the painful tale of hunger. Munene recently hit the
headlines after he was arrested for slaughtering his neighbor’s dog for stew at least to quell the
sting of hunger. This bizarre action he says, was his last
option following three days of starvation.
His case drew the attention of director
of public prosecutions Noordin Haji who immediately ordered Tharaka Nithi
county commissioner Beverly opwora to facilitate his immediate release and
ensure he has been provided with enough food.
Munenes case is arguably one among millions of other cases of kenyans living in abject poverty and agonising due to prolonged drought and consequently,hunger. In May this year, Beverly Opwora acknowledged that over forty six thousand people were in need of relief food in Tharaka Nithi county only.
Four months down the line and miss Opwora a week ago once again confirmed that hunger is still biting and that the government is laying down the necessary strategies to assist the affected.
Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu and Turkana counties are among other regions in dire need of relief food, pasture and water for their livestock. The pastoral communities in these areas have been forced to move from their homes with their families and cattle in search of greener pastures. In addition, the herders have not only been affected physically and emotionally, but their children's education have also been disrupted while at the same time missing out in the participation in government initiated activities such as the recently conducted census. A majority of pastrolistshave over the years been forced to sell their emaciated cattle at a throw away price whenever drought strikes,with the empty promise by the government, to manage the situation.
Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu and Turkana counties are among other regions in dire need of relief food, pasture and water for their livestock. The pastoral communities in these areas have been forced to move from their homes with their families and cattle in search of greener pastures. In addition, the herders have not only been affected physically and emotionally, but their children's education have also been disrupted while at the same time missing out in the participation in government initiated activities such as the recently conducted census. A majority of pastrolistshave over the years been forced to sell their emaciated cattle at a throw away price whenever drought strikes,with the empty promise by the government, to manage the situation.
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| Effects of drought in parts of Kenya |
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| Pastoralists auction their emaciated cows |
The drought and hunger
crisis is a chronic issue that continues to bite down the throats of
approximately 25% of the Kenyan population. This is despite the fact that food security is
one of the Uhuru led government big four agenda.
https://borgenproject.org/top-10-facts-about-hunger-in-kenya
https://borgenproject.org/top-10-facts-about-hunger-in-kenya
On 20th
march this year, Deputy president
William Ruto on behalf of the government
denied claims that the country was food deficient even after pictures depicting
the suffering of dozens of Kenyans went viral on social media. This prompted many Kenyans of good will to come out in large numbers and stretch a helping hand to the affected families by donating food staffs.
Agriculture is one of the major avenues to avert hunger in any society and is also the backbone of Kenya's
economy contributing to 25% of the country's economy. Many Kenyans especially the farmers would therefore
ask whether the government has taken agriculture seriously enough to ensure a well fed hence a
healthy working society. According to
the International Budget Partnership(IBP), low funding towards agriculture is
one of the reasons the country is yet to be food secure. In addition, IBP says
that it is not yet clear who between the National and the County government is responsible for agricultural development in the country. What need to be done according to IBP, is to have coordinated efforts between the National and County governments to ensure that no Kenyan sleeps hungry at this time and age.
https://www.africaresearchinstitute.org/newsite/blog/is-agriculture-being-neglected-under-devolution/
https://www.africaresearchinstitute.org/newsite/blog/is-agriculture-being-neglected-under-devolution/
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