Drought worsens in seven counties of Kenya.

The National Drought Management Authority( NDMA) in Kenya has raised concern over the worsening drought situation in the country, with seven counties now at the drought alarm stage.

According to NDMA, the number of people in need of assistance is projected to increase to 4.35 million by October 2022 if the short rains season performs below average.

The seven counties are Isiolo, Mandera, Samburu, Turkana, Wajir, Marsabit and Laikipia.

Thirteen other counties—Embu, Garissa, Kajiado, Kitui, Makueni, Meru, Narok, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Kwale and Kilifi—are in an alert drought phase, meaning their situation is also wanting.

The authority warns that the rapidly worsening drought was due to the four consecutive poor rainy seasons that have undermined crop and livestock production.

A report by NDMA said the drought situation has continued to worsen in 20 of the 23 ASAL counties. This is attributed to the poor performance of the 2021 long rains, coupled with previous three failed consecutive seasons. Several parts of ASALs remained relatively dry in July, experiencing below-average rainfall (less than 75mm).

The report, revealed that at least 884,464 children, aged between six months and four years, are acutely malnourished because of the drought. According to the agency, also affected are 115,725 pregnant and lactating women, who are further in need of treatment.