Millions of Kenyans, especially those in the North Eastern and Upper Eastern regions, are facing starvation due to drought. Weather experts are indicating that there are possibilities of suppressed rains that are expected between March and June, which will in turn mean a more devastating drought.
If these reports are anything to go by, this is not the time for the government and those in authority to sit in offices and wish the problem away with the hope that it will only affect a certain region of the country.
Read: National Drought Management Authority: How Body Has Been Receiving Billions For Doing Nothing
If nothing is done soon, the drought effects will be felt by the entire country and not just the forgotten regions. It is time for the government to start planning ahead and finding ways of ensuring farmers are empowered to shift to irrigation rather than depending on rain-fed agriculture, which is proving to be unreliable.
Read:3.5 Million Kenyan Children To Miss School In January 2023 As Drought Worsens
It is time the state handles the drought with the urgency the situation demands to save lives and livelihoods. The government needs to realize that its people will perish if it fails to avert the worsening hunger problem. On the other hand, lives will be saved if it acts now and plans ahead.
Relying majorly on prayers during times of economic difficulty is insufficient, in my view. Redirecting the resources used in “prayer rallies” towards practical interventions can help save lives from the impact of drought and economic challenges.
Email your news TIPS to editor@thesharpdaily.com
