Nyamira County residents have raised the alarm over the prolonged drought in the region terming it a threat to agriculture which is their main economic activity.
The drought has led to inadequate animal and plant products in the market forcing many people to turn to consumption of meat, eggs and omena which are very expensive supplements to ugali.
“We have stayed for around three and half months now without rain. This is an unusual case in our region," said Job Mayenga, a poultry farmer from Miriri Sub Location.
Erick Onwong'a, a bodaboda operator in Tombe explains how he has consumed green cabbage leaves and ugali for 12 consecutive days because they are affordable and readily available in the market.
"Vegetables that were in my shamba at home have all dried up," he adds.
Samuel Machwara, an agricultural officer explains how farmers are struggling hard to get water for their animals.
“The water is expensive in this period and this forces farmers to limit the amount of water they are giving their animals hence reducing production," he says.
The dry season has not been a menace to the farmers only but also to the fast food vendors due to the ban imposed by the Nyamira County Government because of the cholera threat. The vendors have now been forced to look for alternative things to do to generate an income.
The residents have urged the county government to drill enough boreholes in the region that will be their source of water during the dry seasons.