The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) is appealing for Sh1 billion to aid Kenyans affected by drought being experienced in the country.
At least 3.4 million Kenyans are estimated to be facing hunger and the society needs funds to assist counties especially in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands(ASAL).
KRCS Secretary General Abbas Gullet said about 1.3 million people living in the worst-hit counties of Garissa, Tana River, Wajir, Isiolo, Kajiado and Kitui are in need of help.
Speaking on Thursday at the agency’s headquarters in Nairobi, Dr Gullet said most families in ASAL counties are facing food insecurity as a result of prolonged drought and failed rainfall.
Dr Gullet urged Kenyans and international donors to fund its 2018 drought response and recovery program that will cater for immediate deliveries of emergency food, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene services.
“Our appeal is to all the stakeholders, local and international partners to support us in mitigation efforts. We have increased the number of targeted population to 1,373,294 people in order to support more families affected by the drought crisis in Kenya.
“We’re keen to escalate our interventions through direct cash transfers, health and nutrition outreaches, rehabilitation of key communal watering points, food distribution, as well as animal off take and slaughter,” said Mr Gullet.