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{
    "id": 1094419,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1094419/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 301,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Isiolo CWR, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Ms.) Rehema Jaldesa",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 601,
        "legal_name": "Rehema Dida Jaldesa",
        "slug": "rehema-dida-jaldesa"
    },
    "content": " That is well noted, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker for allowing me an opportunity to highlight this issue of national importance. Drought has reached a very alarming level in 25 counties of this country. This is due to poor performance of both the 2020 short rains and the 2021 long rains across the 25 counties I mentioned. Due to the late onset of both seasons, low amount of rain and poor distribution of rainfall in time and space, we are now witnessing a cumulative impact. Eighty-seven per cent of counties report a household return distance of between 20 kilometres and 23 kilometres to water sources, making it a total of 46 kilometres. The livestock distance to water points has generally worsened. It is now about 25 kilometres one way, making it 50 kilometres. That is an increase of close to 20 per cent from last year around this time. Severe deficiency of vegetation is recorded in the entire Isiolo County and Lagdera Constituency of Garissa County. That is not to say that they are the only counties affected, but are the worst affected. I am sure that those Members who watched television yesterday and the day before saw the sorry state in those areas where our animals are now feeding on paper. The people of Nairobi and its environs are blessed because even this afternoon, we had heavy rainfall. How I hope we would receive the same soon. That is our prayer. Poor condition of pastures has also been reported. The price of our cattle, sheep and goats has become so low compared to previous drought periods. The terms of trade have also changed. For example, when farmers from Wajir bring their animals to Nyeri to sell to the people there, the prices are not comparable. It is because the price of maize in Nyeri is high whereas the price of our livestock is low. Several schools are on the verge of closing down. Already, in Tana River, two schools have closed. Many other schools in parts of Laikipia, Isiolo, Wajir and Garissa are likely to close down. We have lost lives due to lack of water. I know water is a devolved function, but as national leaders, it is our duty to bring that matter to the attention of the nation. Just to give an example, three weeks ago in a place called Modogashe in Sericho Ward of Isiolo South Constituency, we lost a 25-year-old man when a shallow well collapsed on him. We are likely to lose more lives if an urgent intervention is not received. Two million persons are at risk of starvation in those 25 counties if something is not done very urgently. Our livestock are dying and it will be a bit late if we do not start an offtake intervention by the Government to buy those animals from the farmers. If they wait for another month, they will end up buying carcases which will not help the Government or the farmers. That is likely to negatively impact the economy of this country because the livestock sector contributes 12 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}