North Horr Faces Severe Famine; Leaders Call for Immediate Aid
NORTH HORR, Kenya — An urgent appeal for food aid has been launched in North Horr Constituency of Marsabit County, where an estimated 36,050 residents are facing severe famine conditions following a prolonged drought that has persisted through five seasons. The dire situation has been exacerbated by the recent loss of livestock due to floods and disease outbreaks, pushing the community to the brink of starvation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the famine has resulted in devastating losses, with communities losing over 80 percent of their livestock, a primary source of income and food. Patrick Katelo, CEO of PACIDA, highlighted the critical levels of malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups such as lactating and expectant mothers, children, and the elderly. The food crisis is compounded by the risk of waterborne diseases and malaria due to the current rains and floods, with seasonal rivers from the southern Ethiopian highlands enhancing the flooding.
During a recent sub-county steering group meeting in Kalacha Township, which included representatives from the national government, NGOs, the national drought management authority (NDMA), and the county government, attendees described the current state of affairs as critical and called for swift action to prevent further loss of life.
Marsabit North District Commissioner (DCC) Pius Njeru, who chaired the meeting, disclosed that efforts are underway to deliver relief supplies to the famine-affected areas. The DCC noted that the prolonged drought, a byproduct of climate change, has been worsened by the floods and a recent outbreak of rift valley fever. He also mentioned that the delayed relief food consignment for March and April is being expedited and urged non-state actors to redirect resources towards famine relief.
Additionally, Njeru announced plans for a livestock restocking program designed to help pastoralist communities recover by providing them with small stock such as sheep and goats.
A local report by KNA in various villages revealed the grim reality faced by residents. Daracha Roba, an 87-year-old resident of Chille village, shared his plight, noting that the drought had decimated his livestock, leaving him with only a few animals. The scarcity of food has forced him to sell what little he has to feed his family, but with food prices soaring, even these measures are insufficient.
As the situation worsens, local leaders, including nominated member of the Marsabit county assembly, Ms. Darare Gonche, have called on the government to mobilize resources and improve infrastructure to ensure that aid reaches those in need promptly, especially as many areas remain inaccessible due to poor road conditions.