The Kenya Red Cross has revealed that close to 2.5 million Kenyans are staring at mass starvation by April next year if the government does not make immediate intervention.
According to the agency's secretary general Abbas Gullet, the figure of citizens facing starvation is likely to shoot up from the current 1.3 million to 2.49 million.
The statistical projection has been attributed to the currently prevailing drier weather and drought brought by La Niña. Gullet further added that malnutrition in eleven counties was becoming extremely critical and alarming.
"Cases of malnutrition in the counties are sharply rising to emergency levels. This is due to decline in food stocks and also household income inhibiting that has affected market access,” revealed Gullet.
The present drought condition in Garissa, Samburu, Tana River and parts of Isiolo Counties have led to massive livestock migration that is now threatening to spark off conflict between communities.
So far, conflicts over resources have been reported in Marsabit, Tana River, Kilifi, Garissa, West Pokot, Laikipia and Marakwet counties.