Over 300,000 households in Marsabit at risk of starvation after donors pull out support
Over 300,000 households in drought-stricken Marsabit are staring at possible starvation after donors pulled their support.
Humanitarian organisations serving the communities in the region are said to be facing a cash crunch and with little intervention, they are left with no choice but to stop their relief campaigns in the region.
These revelations were made on Wednesday, December 28, as residents received aid from Church World Service Organisation.
The residents who continue to endure the brunt of climate change, now have to live with the reality that the aid they received might be the last for some time.
“We do not know when the drought will end. We ask well-wishers to continue supporting us,” said Joseph Jirma, Chief Bubisa.
Marsabit is experiencing severe drought as a result of two failed rainy seasons. According to a recent assessment done by the County Steering Group, 75% of the population in Marsabit has been left vulnerable and is in desperate need of food aid.
Mary Obiero, a representative of the Church World Service Organisation said, “The situation has gotten worse than when we started providing assistance. Most families have lost their livelihoods.”
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, on the other hand, continued to appeal for additional aid.
The county has been augmenting donor-provided humanitarian aid, but as the drought worsens, the number of people in need continues to rise.
“I request our partners and stakeholders to redouble their efforts in the provision of support to needy communities,” said Governor Ali.
Marsabit is among 13 counties in the alarm phase of drought. According to the National Drought Management Authority(NDMA), Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Kilifi, Kwale, Samburu, Turkana, Wajir, Kitui, Kajiado, Mandera, Garissa, Tana River, and Marsabit are all facing severe drought.
Overall, the NDMA estimates 4.35 million people are being affected by the ongoing drought.