Increased food price has continued biting people in Kenya and in about two weeks time the less than a million tonnes stocks to run out.
Food crisis in the African country is at severe phase due to the effects of a drought. There are 47 counties in Kenya and the most affected would be Turkana, Marsabit, Baringo (East Pokot), Wajir, Garissa, Tana river and Isiolo.
National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) report reveals the food requirement assistance of Kenyans is to top two million in July. In the month of May, it was 1.6 million.
The NDMA report reads, “The overall food security situation in the Asal (arid and semi-arid) counties deteriorated in May 2019 with more households in crisis phase.”
Central Bank of Kenya Governor Patrick Njoroge said in May economic growth of the country could take a downward dip this year due to drought. The earlier forecast was 6.3 percent but now it is being said to be 5.9 percent.
Drought two years ago too caused slowing down of Kenya’s economic growth.
Njoroge, however, added that this year would not be like the drought of 2017 as the rainy season is on the way, though delayed.
Rains usually hits in March in Kenya.
CBK said crops were affected due to delayed rain or below normal rainfall between March and May.
Meanwhile, the government is opening up the import market, lifting up duty on food grains like maize.
