Kilifi County Steering Group (CSG) stakeholders have warned of a hunger crisis in Kilifi following failed rains in three consecutive seasons leaving thousands of residents at risk of malnutrition.
The County Steering Group, comprising county and national government departments and non-governmental organisations officials, warned that the situation could deteriorate further if urgent interventions are not implemented in the hardest-hit areas.
Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Biwott, who chairs the CSG, confirmed the severity of the looming crisis, revealing that maize harvests in the past season amounted to less than 33% of normal yields.
He further cautioned that water and food shortages have already intensified in Ganze, Kaloleni, and Magarini sub-counties, where some areas have completely run dry.
“We have met as the County Steering Group to find solutions. We are looking at food, water, nutrition and even education to ensure no one goes hungry. Well-wishers, the national and county governments must step up with food aid and financial support,” Biwott said.
While some parts of Kilifi such as Kilifi South, Kilifi North, and Rabai are less affected, Biwott emphasised that relief efforts will be prioritised for the most vulnerable areas.
Kenya Red Cross Kilifi County Coordinator Kauthar Lawi highlighted the need for interventions, citing reports from health, education, and livestock departments that indicate deteriorating conditions.
“Once the health department talks about increased number of malnutrition within the health facility that means our communities don’t have enough food at the household level,” she said.
“This needs partners to come forward with interventions including relief food, cash transfers and some long-term programmes, especially in the areas where we have water for irrigated agriculture,” she added.
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) Kilifi County Coordinator, Bakari Mwachakure, attributed the growing food insecurity to unpredictable and insufficient rainfall caused by climate change.
He underscored the need for sustainable water management strategies, such as constructing climate-resilient dams to store water and support irrigation farming.
“Rains have become unreliable and the dams we designed based on past rainfall patterns can no longer sustain farmers during dry spells, if we invest in climate-resilient dams, we can ensure stable water supplies for irrigation and reduce dependence on relief aid,” Mwachakure said.
According to county rankings based on livestock, agriculture, education, and malnutrition levels, Ganze is the most affected sub-county in terms of food insecurity, followed by Kaloleni, Magarini, Rabai, Kilifi South, and Kilifi North.
The Kilifi food security assessment is part of a nationwide review by the Kenya Food Security Steering Group covering 23 arid and semi-arid counties. The findings will guide the government’s response over the next three to six months.
With the next rains expected to arrive late between the first and second week of April and forecasts indicating below-average rainfall, the next two months could be particularly difficult for residents.
Stakeholders are now racing against time for emergency intervention measures in a bid to prevent hunger and further malnutrition across Kilifi County.
By Stephen Mrira and Jackson Msanzu
