Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged President William Ruto to declare the ongoing drought a national disaster, citing growing food insecurity and water shortages in northern Kenya.
Speaking on Thursday, Gachagua said successive dry spells, failing rains, and widespread livestock deaths are pushing communities in arid regions to the brink.
Gachagua also criticised what he called limited public updates on the crisis, warning that months of persistent drought have gone largely unaddressed.
He called for immediate government action to mobilise resources, attract donor support, and provide relief to vulnerable populations.
“I want to tell President Ruto to think about the people in North Eastern Kenya who are affected by hunger. Declare the drought a national disaster to attract funding. Allocate funds to mitigate the effects of the drought. Buy animals from herders to cushion them against losses,” he said.
He highlighted that three consecutive rainfall seasons had failed, including the short rains of October–December 2024, the long rains of March–May 2025, and the short rains of October–December 2025.
“Millions of people could face severe food and water shortages without timely intervention,” he added.
Gachagua also emphasised the need for coordinated advocacy and action, arguing that the government and development partners must work together to address the crisis.
“The current Deputy President should convene a meeting with donors, relevant actors, and leaders to acknowledge the challenges in northern Kenya and explore ways of mobilising resources to assist residents,” he said.
Reports of dying livestock, including camels, illustrate the severity of the situation, he said, while high temperatures have further strained water and pasture availability in affected areas.
The government says it has activated drought response measures to support vulnerable populations in arid and semi-arid counties.
Speaking in Garissa on Tuesday during the launch of water trucking and food assistance, Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo said the interventions are part of a national strategy.
“This exercise is not isolated. Similar drought response activities are being launched across other ASAL counties as the government moves to protect lives and livelihoods,” Mwabudzo said.
Relief efforts through the Department of Special Programmes have already delivered 4,480 bags of rice and beans in Garissa County.
The water trucking initiative, implemented jointly by the National Drought Management Authority and Garissa County Government, targets households and critical institutions in Lagdera and Balambala sub-counties.
NDMA reports indicate Mandera County is currently in alarm phase, while nine other counties, including Garissa, remain in alert with many showing worsening trends.