To all the farmers in Tharaka Nithi

The Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP) has warned Tharaka Nithi farmers in Kenya to conserve water and plant early maturing crops ahead of a dry spell expected in December. The programme has warned that the current short rains will become minimal towards the end of the month. Obadiah Munene, ASDSP Value Chain Development Officer, said: “The meteorological department predicted that the rain would be intense in November and reduce towards the end of December and hence our advice to farmers to plant early maturing crops”. He also urged farmers to consider modern methods of weed control to avoid labor shortages.

In Kwale county

The County Government of Kwale has provided 3,500 vulnerable households with relief food as drought continues to ravage coastal Kenya. Governor Fatuma Achani said 200,000 people are in need of food and water. Achani is chair of the County Drought Response Coordination Committee and has ordered that the food be fairly distributed. She called on humanitarian agencies and well-wishers to provide further aid. Achani also revealed that her administration was investing in the construction of mega dams to harvest rainwater for domestic and irrigation purposes. She also called on the Kenya Wildlife Service to address the increased human-wildlife conflict caused by the drought.

The president in Kakamega county.

Kenyan President William Ruto has promised to build dams and complete road projects in the country’s Kakamega region. The president, who visited the region last week, also committed to funding the development of the Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital, as well as investing in the sugar mill, gold refinery and granite factory. Ruto also pledged to launch an affordable housing programme, providing 20,000 homes for residents. He also vowed to waive landing fees at the Kakamega airstrip, and to provide jobs for former local leaders.