More than the economy of the country was the drought and the long time for the harvest of maize.
The fact is that according to the recent report of the National Authority for Drought Management (NDMA) the number of Kenyan citizens at risk of malnutrition this year will rise from 1.6 million to 2 million. These are mainly inhabitants of the arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya, the areas most affected are Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Samburu, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River and Tigania West.
The NDMA informed the media that since the beginning of the year many more families have been facing acute levels of food insecurity. In the north-west, where there are families who are engaged in sheep-farming and agriculture and who live on nothing else, more than a crisis we speak of a real food emergency.
The food shortage has been attributed to the drought that has affected food production in different parts of the country. This was reflected not only in the production of food for sustenance, particularly maize flour, but also in its selling prices. The government was urged to increase the import of maize from other countries, but in fact the flour increased by 25%. A 2kg package now costs Kshs. 120 from previous Kshs. 90.
The latest bulletin from the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that late rainfall, poor distribution and irregular rainfall have negatively affected early crop planting in most parts of the country.
Sowing has been delayed in some parts of the country, which should result in a reduction in total production.