By Hassan Wardere
Drought in Northern Kenya especially in the rural end has continued to ravage, causing the death of livestock that was the only source of livelihood and unimaginable predicaments. It’s heartbreaking to see the faint and feeble cry of hunger, lack of water, and basic needs.
I laud the approach by the President of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta for announcing Drought as a national disaster. However, the leadership of Northern Kenya must wake up to intervene in the worsening situation. On a viral clip that I saw on social media where a donkey transporting cans of water collapsed. It could be that the animal could not withstand the scorching heat, or it was starving but still, it narrows down to drought and its plight.
At this moment, I wish to challenge the leadership of Northern Counties to work collectively and find an immediate solution, be it palliative or long term to cushion the residents through this tiresome moment.
The National government through the National Drought Management Authority has to play its role in attending to this lifesaving matter. Efforts by CS Wamalwa to release food ratios are worthy.
There is an ultimate and speedy need for food, water, and clothing, and also food for the livestock. Such periods of drought require humanity more than any other time. The situation is worsening with time and in some areas, loss of lives as a result of drought has been reported.
I thus also wish to urge philanthropists, well-wishers, and donors to come in and extend a helping hand to the vulnerable population.
We pray to the Almighty Allah to ease the situation and bless us with rain. He is the Most Gracious and The Most Merciful. May Allah bless us abundantly.
Amiiin.
The Writer is a Senatorial aspirant in 2022 Wajir County.