Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims Urges National Emergency Declaration as Drought Crisis Deepens

-
By Irene 

Kenya is grappling with a deepening drought crisis that threatens lives, livelihoods, and the social fabric of communities across the country, particularly in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). 

According to the latest insights from the International Federation’s February–March 2025 report, the number of food-insecure people has risen sharply compared to the previous year, painting a grim picture of a nation under strain.
Beyond food shortages, the crisis is compounded by acute water scarcity. Access to clean and safe water has become critically limited, forcing families to struggle daily to meet basic needs. 

The situation is even more dire for pastoralist communities, where water is not only essential for household use but also for livestock — the backbone of their livelihoods. This dual crisis of food and water insecurity has been described as a “ticking time bomb” that risks irreversible suffering if urgent action is not taken.

Kenya has 23 ASAL counties, nine classified as arid and fourteen as semi-arid, which are bearing the brunt of the drought. These regions have been hardest hit by climate change, poor rainfall, and long-standing structural vulnerabilities. The below-average short rains recorded between October and December reversed gains made in previous seasons, severely affecting agricultural production and water availability. Rising fuel and fertilizer costs, alongside increased pests and diseases, have further worsened the situation.


By late 2024, food and water insecurity had escalated dramatically, placing millions at risk. Communities in ASAL counties are facing severe hardships that are expected to persist until the next rainy season, with far-reaching consequences on health, education, and economic stability.

In response, there has been an urgent call for coordinated national action. Stakeholders are urging the Government of Kenya to deploy all available water resources, including water tankers from the National Youth Service, the Kenya Defence Forces, and the Ministry of Water Resources, to provide immediate relief to affected communities. Such a coordinated effort is seen as critical to alleviating suffering and preventing further loss of life and livelihoods.


The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, together with well-wishers, institutions, and partners, has also appealed to county governments and humanitarian actors to mobilize emergency resources. In a strong appeal, the Council has called upon President William Ruto to declare the drought a national emergency, a move that would enable faster mobilization and deployment of critical resources.

“As we approach the holy month of Ramadhan, a time of compassion and generosity, we urge all stakeholders — government, NGOs, faith-based organizations, and individuals — to act with urgency and solidarity,” said Al-Hajj Hassan Ole Naado, National Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims.

He emphasized that collective action, guided by empathy and shared humanity, can still ease the suffering of millions of Kenyans facing the harsh realities of drought.

Popular posts from this blog

Tragedy in Kilepoi: Community Demands Justice and End to Cycle of Violence in Samburu"

-
Image
By irene  A Cry for Peace: The Aftermath of the Kilepoi Attack The latest assault, a brutal act of retaliatory aggression, had once again thrust the community into mourning. Homes were torched, livestock stolen, and innocent lives lost. The pattern was tragically familiar—a cycle of bloodshed fueled by old wounds and deep-seated divisions. Despite the presence of multiple security installations, including the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), GSU camps, and military posts, help arrived too late. The attackers vanished into the rugged terrain, leaving destruction in their wake. In the days that followed, anger simmered as locals questioned why their government had failed them once again. Among the voices calling for justice was  Chairperson Turkana professionals Association SG Ernest Nadome  said they  are tired of burying their loved ones "We have security forces, yet we are left to defend ourselves. What is their purpose if not to protect us?" He said  ...
Read more

Mwenda Thuranira’s Myspace Foundation Rallies Support for Isiolo Flood Victims, Calls for Urgent Government Action

-
Image
By irene  In the aftermath of the devastating floods that have ravaged Isiolo County, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair.  Mwenda Thuranira’s Myspace Foundation has stepped up in solidarity with affected communities. The floods, which have displaced families, destroyed homes, and disrupted lives, also claimed the vehicle of MCA Lemantile in a tragic incident that underscores the severity of the disaster. As local residents grapple with loss and uncertainty, Myspace Foundation, under the leadership of Mwenda Thuranira, has expressed deep concern over the County Government’s inadequate disaster preparedness and response. The foundation has highlighted the critical gaps—lack of early warning systems, insufficient emergency shelters, and poor drainage infrastructure—as key contributors to the escalating impact of such natural calamities. “Myspace Foundation stands with the people of Isiolo in this trying time,” said Mwenda Thuranira.  “We are not on...
Read more

IGAD Executive Secretary Calls for United AI and Cybersecurity Strategy to Secure Horn of Africa

-
Image
By irene  The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, has issued a compelling call for regional collaboration in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity measures to safeguard the future of security, development, and digital resilience across the Greater Horn of Africa. Speaking during the Regional Consultative Seminar on Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity for Security, Cooperation, and Resilience, Dr. Gebeyehu emphasized the transformative potential of technology when guided by ethical leadership and human-centered values. “Technology best serves humanity when we, as humanity, guide its development,” he said, while addressing dignitaries including Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for ICT Hon. William Kabogo and the Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Gunnar Andreas Holm. The IGAD chief cited AI as a critical tool in enhancing regional law enforcement capabilities, combatin...
Read more