Kenya
More than 5.4 million people in Kenya will likely experience acute food insecurity beginning in March - and almost one million children are likely to suffer malnutrition this year as East Africa faces the worst drought in decades, an international initiative reported on Tuesday.
The analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification predicted an increase in the 4.4 million Kenyans currently facing high levels of food insecurity in a country with a population of about 47.5 million. The current figure represents a 43% increase compared to the same period last year.
Kenyan President William Ruto last week led a national prayer day for rain and promised to institute policies that would ensure the country's people have enough to eat.
Rain is forecast for March but the Kenya Meteorological Department said there would be a delayed start of the rainy season in northern Kenya, which is mostly arid and semi-arid.
The region has had six failed rainy seasons, with less than usual rainfall in some areas and no rain in others.
Kenyan TV reported that herders from Wajir county in northern Kenya have had to migrate because of the drought.
00:22
Boniface Kariuki, a Kenyan mask vendor shot at close range laid to rest
11:17
Bridging the legal gap in Africa’s digital boom {Business Africa}
Go to video
First Malaria treatment for babies approved
01:45
Empowering youth in agriculture could boost global economy, FAO report says
02:16
Kenya's William Ruto faces growing discontent over economy and police brutality
Go to video
In Kenya, 90% of packaged food needs health warning label under new rules