State to launch international appeal drought assistance

By Judith Akolo

The government will Thursday officially launch an international appeal for 12.6 billion shillings assistance towards dealing with the challenges caused by the crippling drought.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett says over three million Kenyans have been affected by drought.

As the reality of climate change sets in and drought becomes cyclic, the Ministry of Agriculture is pursuing long term measures to deal with climate variability that has seen the country grapple with three consecutive seasons of failed rainfall.

Among the long term measures is climate adaptation to boost the resilience of communities.

So far, the government has invested in research to develop high yielding seed varieties that are water efficient.

The government also plans to sink more water pans and construct dams in water scarce areas to improve food production.

Following the declaration of the drought as a national disaster, the government will on Thursday launch an international appeal for 12.6 billion shillings to help cushion vulnerable communities from further losses.

In the short time farmers are being facilitated to increase agricultural productivity during the long rains season.

Over three million Kenyans have been affected by drought.