President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared the ongoing drought affecting many parts of northern, Coast, and eastern regions of Kenya a national disaster.

The president called on all stakeholders to support the government by upscaling drought mitigation programmes.

He also sought help from local and international partners in containing the situation affecting the people, their livestock and the country's wildlife.

“Support from our partners would complement government's efforts in mitigating the effects of drought,” said the president on Friday.

Transparency

Mr Kenyatta also issued a stern warning to those involved in food distribution saying the government would take serious measures against anyone found to be enrich themselves instead.

“I will not tolerate anybody who would try to take advantage of this situation to defraud public funds,” said Mr Kenyatta.

He said all purchases of food and other requirements would be done in a transparent and open manner and that all government agencies will be involved to guard against fraud.

“Let all investigative agencies including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission get involved in the activities being undertaken during this period. I don’t want the government to be accused of taking advantage of this situation.”

Maize importation

To stabilise the high prices of cereals, the government will allow maize importation by the licensed millers but would strictly monitor the situation to ensure it is done in a transparent manner.

READ: Costly maize pushes flour prices up as millers await word on Mexico imports

In its second phase of drought intervention covering the months of February to April, the government has allocated $110 million to cater for intervention in various sectors.

Already, the National Treasury has released the first tranche of $73 million while the county governments will provide $20 million.

The government says it intends to enhance interventions including doubling of food rations and cash transfers among other measures.