Horizon Analysts and Researchers Network (HARN) is now calling on President William Ruto to declare the drought a national disaster.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, HARN Executive Director Siyad Jimale said by doing so would allow the country to get help from across the world.

“All the indicators are showing that the situation in pastoral counties is really worsening and there is a need for a serious intervention, at Whatever Cost,” Jimale.

According to the Organization, Livestock productivity is currently on a declining trend.

HARN also says 40-80% of the total livestock in the pastoral counties migrated to neighbouring counties and across the national borders to neighbouring countries like Somalia, Ethiopia, S. Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.

The organization said that more efforts have to be put in to mitigate the effects of the drought that is currently ravaging almost half of the country.

“The drought migration of livestock from areas as far as Mandera, Wajir to counties of Kitui and its environs in search of pasture has also caused clan clashes leaving at least 10 people dead,” revealed Jimale.

Jimale further hit out at the local leadership led by the county governors saying that they were having misplaced priorities instead of focusing all their energies on addressing the ravaging drought.

“It is shocking that most County Governments that are worst hit by drought are doing misplaced development projects including, construction of palatial offices, renovations and other projects that are not helping the people affected by drought and victims of food insecurity at the moment.”

Video Courtesy: KTN News.