Escalating drought has led to crop failures and rising food prices in Mount Kenya counties, heightening famine risks. Farmers like Gerald Murira in Meru have lost their harvests due to poor rains. The government is pushing aid efforts, but residents complain of unfair distribution.
In a normal season, farmer Gerald Murira from Ntumburi in Buuri, Meru County, would be harvesting 40 bags of beans. However, delayed and scant rains have left his and neighbors' fields barren.
“Rain came late and within just two weeks, crops withered. Since then, we've completely forgotten we even planted. Only farmers with irrigation water managed to save their crops,” says Murira.
This situation affects farmers in Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a, where maize and beans are staple foods. Agriculture Ministry data shows these six counties normally produce over 333,000 tons of maize and 130,000 tons of beans annually. By early December, many crops had dried up due to below-average rainfall from October to December, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).
“Below-average rainfall caused insufficient soil moisture, creating unfavorable conditions for plant growth and crop development in several parts of the country,” states KMD's December monthly report.
Meru County Weather Director Justin Murithi said much of the county received little rain, with some northern Igembe areas getting none. “Some areas in North Igembe received no rain at all. By early December, most crops had dried up. Only parts of North Imenti, Central Imenti, and South Imenti are expected to get 50% of normal harvest,” Murithi said, urging swift government aid.
A National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) report indicates crop failures began early in Kirinyaga, Murang’a, and Nyeri. In Kieni constituency, Nyeri, food prices have surged; a sack of potatoes now costs Sh600, up from Sh400, and a 90kg bag of maize sells for Sh4,800 to Sh5,000, from Sh3,000 last year.
Chaka market chair Jane Wangechi said, “The rain we got in recent months was very scarce. Last month it rained for just one week, and that rain was so heavy it damaged crops in fields. Then intense sun followed. The food we have will run out soon.” Traders are ordering supplies from Nyandarua and Kirinyaga, but shortages persist there too.
The government is distributing aid food, but resident Joseph Mwangi from Naromoru criticized, “It's become like a political gift for those connected to officials. The government should empower farmers with fertilizer and seeds to salvage the situation.” He suggested investing in dams and community water projects.
Meru County Agriculture Director Martin Munene said the situation poses a major food insecurity challenge. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku stated the government is ready to address the shortage.
