Drought worsens in Kenya

By Magdalene Mukami.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Kenya on Thursday has allocated $53 million to mitigate the effects of a drought that has struck certain parts of the East African country.

The government on Thursday announced that the drought was showing no signs of slowing down, Kenya’s government spokesman Eric Kiraithe said, adding the situation seemed to be worsening.

“With the late start and expected early cessation of the short rains, all indications are that the drought will persist into 2017. In the affected areas, vegetation has greatly deteriorated and surface waters have all but run dry,” Kiraithe said.

“5.4 billion Kenya shillings [roughly $53 million] of additional financing have been approved by the national government towards drought-related expenditure,” he added.

The drought has so far claimed at least seven lives and thousands of livestock, Kiraithe said, pointing out that the distribution of relief food had begun in order to prevent any further loss of lives.

The drought is mainly being felt in Northern and Southern Kenya.