Sh37bn plea to save victims of famine

• Post-election chaos, drought and global economy blamed for national food crisis

Prolonged droughts is the main cause of the current famine as President Kibaki observed in his written speech.

“The primary cause of the famine is severe drought as we had poor rain season in the last two years,” he said.

Post-election violence last year has also played a big part, with some farmers in the North Rift — the country’s breadbasket — could not plant crops after they were displaced from their farms.

Nevertheless, members of the diplomatic corps who expressed commitments their governments were making to help Kenya survive the famine, did not fail to criticise the President and his team for corruption taking place in the country.

For instance, the illegal export of maize by middlemen to Sudan was also blamed for the maize shortage.

“These cases of corruption must be contained and they should also be investigated,” said US Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Ranneberger.

However, he said his country was prepared to help Kenya overcome the crisis.

Other envoys echoed his sentiments, saying the Government must be prepared to fight corruption.

In response, President Kibaki said: “You will see some people in court soon.”

He said he would not tolerate actions of some officials, and “unscrupulous traders who seek to manipulate the food supply chain for their own benefit.”

Mr Odinga who is the chairman of the Cabinet Food Security Committee said the necessary mechanisms were also being put in place to seal loopholes that may be used by a few unscrupulous people to create artificial shortages.

Some donors pledged food aid worth million of shillings while others said they would scale up their assistance as soon as they complete drought assessment.

Already China has pledged $3 million (Sh234)food aid and Japan Sh3 billion, among others.