Africa/Kenya - More than 150,000 people at risk of starvation in the north of Kenya

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides)- More than 150,000 people are at risk of starvation in the north of Kenya. According to the Kenyan daily, “The Nation”, “children under five years of age, pregnant women and elderly people are among the most affected by food insecurity, while a devastating drought depletes the resources of the region,”
According to a report by the Red Cross, the majority of the population of northern Kenya is facing starvation due to scarce seasonal production. The drought has also caused a substantial reduction in herds in the region.
The scarcity of food has caused a drastic increase in general food prices.
According to the Red Cross, the local peoples are forced to drink non-potable water collected from wells in Ethiopia. Water is supplied by sellers at a price of 60 Shillings for a tank of 20 litres. Most residents can not afford this.
Authorities and the World Food Programme have begun the distribution of emergency rations to the local peoples. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 10/1/20119)