Kenya seeks Sh32bn food aid

• Government requires Sh 32 billion to meet shortfall.

• 10 million Kenyans affected by famine.

• Most affected areas are the marginal agricultural districts of lower Eastern (Ukambani), Coast, and Central provinces. 

The above factors, he said were responsible for the sharp rise in prices of maize and maize products as well as other foods that form the staple foods of most Kenyans.

The most affected areas are the marginal agricultural districts of lower Eastern (Ukambani), Coast, and Central provinces. 

Other areas that are adversely affected include the pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Rift Valley, Eastern, and North Eastern provinces. 

The Government’s national assessment is that 10 million people are food insecure and require emergency support. 

These people will not meet their minimum food requirements and are relying on government help.

Said President Kibaki: Currently, the Government and World Food Programme are feeding 1.4 million people under the emergency operation programme. Another one million people are also fed through direct Government interventions.”

The President said that to combat the situation immediate actions are required.

“With regard to the medium term interventions, in the coming planting season that begins in a few weeks from now, the Government will make available about 93,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser at affordable prices, and reduce the price of seed by 10 percent. We will also make arrangements to provide affordable mechanical ploughing services in areas that are suitable through our revived agricultural machinery services.”

He appealed to farmers to increase the amount of land planted, so as to increase food production in the 2009/10 crop season.

President Kibaki also outlined the emergency measures the Government has taken such as arrangements to import seven million bags of maize at an estimated cost of Sh17 billion.

It has also set aside Sh3 billion for the procurement of additional relief food supplies and Sh1billion for related non-food emergency interventions.

Another Sh1.2 billion has been allocated for the provision of water, purchase of livestock and supply of hay in the arid and semi-arid areas. 

He warned that his government will crackdown on cartels out to exploit Kenyans.

“I wish to point out that my government will not tolerate the actions of some officials and unscrupulous traders who seek to manipulate the food supply chain for their own benefit.

“Under no circumstance will my government allow the livelihood of our people to be sacrificed at the altar of the private gain of a few people. The government will protect the welfare of Kenyans at all times.”