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2.7 mln Kenyans need food assistance: latest report

Xinhua, February 7, 2017 Adjust font size:

The number of Kenyans in need of relief assistance has risen from 1.3 million in August 2016 to 2.7 million in January following short rains last year.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said in a report released on Monday that many of those affected are the most vulnerable, including the elderly, the sick, mothers and children under the age of five.

"The numbers represent approximately 20 percent of the population in pastoral areas and 18 percent in marginal agricultural areas. The current drought phase classification indicates that the trend is worsening in most counties," the NDMA said.

The East African nation is facing a prolonged drought which experts have warned could worsen food security unless an appropriate action is taken to alleviate the situation.

According to findings of the just-concluded assessment of the 2016 short rains, the most affected sectors remain food, livestock and water.

The situation continues to deteriorate rapidly particularly in nine arid counties in northern Kenya.

The report, carried out by the Kenya Food Security Steering Group, came after the Kenyan government said Monday it has enough food supply to cater for all Kenyans facing starvation.

Deputy President William Ruto said the government had channeled 16 million U.S. dollars towards the purchase of assorted food supplies to be distributed to affected Kenyans.

He dismissed claims that the government has imported maize to help deal with the challenge of starvation instead of buying the local produce.

"The assorted food that the government has dispatched to the affected areas including maize, beans, rice among other items was bought from our local farmers," said Ruto.

He said the government has put in place measures to ensure that the distribution of food is above board, adding that regional security bosses will oversee the exercise.

"We will ensure that these food items will reach intended beneficiaries working with regional leaders and local community leaders. We will ensure that no Kenyan loses his or her life because of hunger." Endit