Thousands of Garissa residents facing starvation, yet to receive food donations from Gov't

As drought continues to ravage many parts of the country, residents of Balambala in Garissa County are facing a water and food crisis.

Madhah Gisii, Aragudhud and Lago are struggling to get water for domestic use as well as for their animals.

Their livestock are dying every day due to lack of water and pasture.

Garissa County is one of the 29 counties that are facing acute drought and hunger in the country.

The persistent drought has left 4.35million Kenyans in dire need of food assistance.

Residents of the county are facing another big problem that of water. The only borehole in the area is not operational due to a breakdown of the water pump.

Adan Olak, a resident of Garissa said: “Hii maji sasa hii tank mumeona ni sisi tulijiwekea, kutoa maji kutoka Garissa ni 15km na tunanua mara mbili kwa wiki.”

Animals are dying due to lack of water and pasture. Residents are worried that if the current dry and hot spell persists, they risk losing lives. They say they are yet to receive food donations from the government.

Dekow Adow, another resident, said: “Sisi tumeishi hapa kwa muda, miaka nne na hakuna serikali imeletea kitu chochote, tunasikia tu hiyo maneno.”

Ambia Osman, yet another, added: “Tunasikia serikali inapatia watu wengine chakula, sisi bado kupata, sijui tumesahaulika.”

School going children have joined their parents in the search for water and pasture, significantly reducing the number of pupils in the nearby school from an enrolment of 170 to less than 40.