NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 26 — UNICEF Kenya is now appealing for Sh17.3 billion from local and international donors to meet the needs families affected by drought in Kenya.
The agency said Sunday 6.4 million people are facing food insecurity, half of them — 3.2 million — being children.
UNICEF said over 970,000 children under five and 142,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers require urgent lifesaving treatment for malnutrition.
This is an increase from 884,000 in July 2022.
“Our urgent priority is meeting the immediate needs of children affected by the current drought, but we also need to build resilience in drought affected areas to prepare communities for future droughts, driven by climate change. This includes constructing sand dams and solar powered water systems to provide access to water during times of drought,” a part of the statement read.
“Over 2.5 million children, especially adolescent girls and boys, need support to return to school.”
The organization further stated that over 500,000 more food-insecure people have been identified in nine additional counties including Machakos, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kirinyaga and Murang’a.
“According to the 2022 Short Rains Assessment[1] by the Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, the malnutrition status of children and women is worsening in Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Isiolo, Garissa, Baringo and Samburu counties,” the statement read.
A severe drought triggered by failed rains has worsened the situation in Arid and Semi Arid Land (ASAL) counties.
ASALs have registered five consecutive poor or failed rainy seasons, driven by climate change marking the worst drought in four decades.
