Kenya warns of impending famine

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has declared a national state of disaster amid warnings of severe food shortages.

More than 3 million Kenyans need food aid.

The Kenyan Government is appealing for international help to deal with the widespread food shortages.

The Government says up to 60 per cent of crops have failed in five provinces, including the normally fertile Rift Valley.

President Mwai Kibaki says drought is to blame for what he describes as a national disaster.

Mr Kibaki says more than 150,000 tonnes of maize is needed to feed people in the worst-affected areas.

Kenya is frequently hit by drought.

In 2001, more than 4 million people were in need of emergency food aid.

The Government has been criticised in the past for failing to act quickly to address the problem.

Source: ABC News
Date Published: 15 July 2004