Editor's Review

DP Rigathi Gachagua pledged KSh 300m to salvage wildlife from hunger.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced government's plan to cushion wildlife from the striking hunger.

The deputy president noted that millions of wild animals had died out of hunger thus the government's intervention to counter the devastating drought aftermath.

Speaking in the Amboseli National Park, Kajiado county, Rigathi said the government would sanction KSh 100 million in the first phase, with KSh 200 million being added later.

"We have lost over 2.5 million herds of cattle and our wildlife is under threat. We are here because our government is committed to protecting our wildlife. Therefore, as a government, we'll ensure we protect our heritage for people of Kenya and posterity," he said.

"We'll work with KWS and we've pledged KSh 100 million, and KSh 200 would be given later," he said.

Wildlife have borne the brunt of the drought that continues to bite a host of counties.

Recently, a baby elephant died out of what experts argued was hunger.

Photo showing an animal's carcus. Photo: Twitter.

Statistics from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) show that early cessation of the 2022 long rains season has worsened the drought situation in 19 of the 23 arid and semi-arid (ASAL) counties.

These counties were already bearing the brunt of the poor performance of three previous consecutive failed seasons.

According to NDMA, six counties have been earmarked in the Alarm drought phase while 13 others are in the Alert phase.

The six are Laikipia, Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Isiolo and Samburu.

Those in the Alert phase include Turkana, Garissa, Tana River, Kitui, Baringo, Meru, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Narok, and Tharaka Nithi.

The situation has exacerbated food insecurity in the aforementioned regions subjected the people therein to potential after-effects of famine.

President William Ruto had called on the international community to help Africa deal with the prevailing drought.

Speaking at the 77th United Nations General Assembly, the president stressed the importance of the world joining hands in devising technologies to solve the climate change challenges, and in the meantime, offer support to the affected countries.

"I call on the Member States and all relevant stakeholders to demonstrate strong political will and showcase effective cooperation by supporting the most affected countries financially and sharing land restoration and climate adaptation technologies. It is through collaborations to expand inclusion that we can attain a new paradigm in multilateralism," he said.