Garissa leaders insist county among worst hit by drought, famine

Leaders from Garissa have come out to dismiss a government situation report that did not name Garissa County among the areas worst affected by the ongoing drought and famine.

During a press briefing on Friday, Devolution and National Planning CS Mwangi Kiunjuri said that about 1.3 million Kenyans are facing famine following inadequate rains this year.

According to the report, all 23 Asal counties are affected, with the most hit being Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River and Taita Taveta Counties.

Others are Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, Makueni, Kitui and Samburu Counties.

Addressing the press in Garissa Town, Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye said naming Garissa among counties that are not hard hit by drought and famine means little help will come their way.

“We are telling him in no uncertain terms that our people have been badly affected and the sooner something is done the better,” he said.

On his part, Mohamed Hire urged the government to start thinking of long term solutions to the perennial drought problem by constructing dams where rainwater can be channeled to instead of going to waste.