24 January 2006

As Kenya’s worst drought since 2000 intensifies, ActionAid is warning that tribal disputes are on the increase, with nomadic peoples starting to fight over scarce fertile land in the north east region. The agency also reports that people in other regions are now beginning to succumb to the effects of drought and hunger.

Lack of rain over the past three seasons combined with poor infrastructure has deepened the drought’s effect, making the situation worse for Kenya’s already vulnerable people.

With no markets for weak animals and pastures drying up, herders are moving from their traditional grazing areas. Five have already been reported killed on the Wajir/Isiolo/Marsabit border in disputes over cattle rustling and grazing.

The threat of starvation is also looming in the coastal regions where over 1 million are at risk.  Households are particularly vulnerable in the regions of Malindi, Kwale and Wenje, where ActionAid categorizes over 80% of families as very poor.  In the rift region, the acute water shortage is also severely affecting the livestock sector.

ActionAid further charges that government food rations have been inadequate and that aid distribution is erratic. It says that food relief from the World Food Programme through the Catholic Church is sustainable for only for a few months without additional aid.

ActionAid Kenya spokesperson, Ibrahim Kossi, reports from the ground in the northeastern region: "The drought situation has worsened, particularly in the north, where harsh conditions have complicated aid delivery.

"Unless more aid, resources and expertise is dedicated from the international community, a great many more lives and livelihoods will be lost."

Over one million Kenyans are currently affected and without substantive intervention, this figure is expected to increase to 3.5 million over the next three months.