Residents in drought-affected areas of Kwale County have appealed to the national government and well-wishers for urgent intervention as prolonged dry conditions continue to threaten livelihoods.
It is estimated that more than 179,000 people in the county are facing food insecurity, with about 20 per cent of the population classified under the food crisis phase following failed rains. Sub-counties most affected include Kinango Sub-County, Samburu Sub-County, Lungalunga Sub-County and Matuga Sub-County.
The situation has been worsened by drying water sources, including dams and seasonal rivers relied upon for domestic use and livestock.
Nyanje Mwavuda, a resident of Makamini in Kinango Sub-County, said most man-made water pans have dried up, forcing residents to trek long distances in search of water for household and livestock use.
“We don’t have food because there has been no rain for a long time. The land is totally dry, and our cattle are suffering,” he said, appealing to the government and well-wishers to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.
Residents noted that both man-made and natural water sources have dried up, compounding the water crisis in affected areas.
Rachael Bakari from Samburu Sub-County observed that women and school-going children bear the brunt of the drought, walking long distances to fetch water, which has disrupted learning as some children miss school to assist their families.
“If Makamini Dam is completed, we are very sure the issue of water in some parts of Kinango will be a thing of the past. We want the government to intervene urgently,” she said.
Salama Nguta from Matumbi area in Kinango said some families have gone for days without food, urging immediate government action to provide relief supplies.
Residents called for urgent relief interventions, including food distribution and water supply support, to cushion vulnerable households from the worsening drought situation.
By Chari Suche
