Drought destroys crops in North Rift, leaders urge Ruto to declare national disaster

Leaders from Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties have asked President William Ruto to declare the drought that has destroyed thousands of acres of maize a national disaster and urgently assist farmers.

Religious leaders, youth and elders led by Sheikh Abubakar Bini, chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya in the North Rift region, said Tuesday that farmers in the country’s food basket are facing huge losses after a prolonged dry spell destroyed their crops.

Speaking at a press conference in Eldoret, the leaders warned that the country could face a major food shortage if the government fails to act before the October planting season.

They said Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu counties, which produce a large portion of the country’s maize, are the most affected.

Kassim Swaleh, youth leader of the Council of Imams, said farmers borrowed heavily to prepare farms, buy certified seeds and fertilizer, but lost everything after maize withered before maturity.

“Thousands of Kenyans depend on food produced in Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu. These counties are the nation’s food basket, but this season drought has destroyed crops in the farms,” Swaleh said.

He said many farmers will not be able to return to their farms without government support.

“Many farmers borrowed expecting to harvest and repay loans. Today they have nothing. Without government intervention, many will miss the October planting season,” he said.

He asked the government to provide free three-month maturing maize seeds and free fertilizer so that farmers can take advantage of the long rains expected to start in October.

Sheikh Bini said they have toured farms and witnessed massive destruction.

“We are not happy to see our crops destroyed. Farmers invested everything they had, but they have lost everything because of drought,” Bini said.

He urged President Ruto to form a special committee to assess the losses and allocate emergency funds to support farmers.

Community leader Francis Chirchir said food insecurity is a threat to national security.

“This is not just an agriculture issue. Food insecurity is a threat to national security. If not addressed quickly, it can be used politically to divide communities,” Chirchir said.

He said Kenya must invest in dams, irrigation projects and water harvesting to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.

The leaders proposed five urgent measures: formation of a drought response committee, allocation of emergency funds, free distribution of three-month maize seeds, free fertilizer, and investment in irrigation.

They said supporting farmers to replant is cheaper than importing maize or providing food relief later.