Hunger in Turkana

A humanitarian crisis has taken center stage in Turkana, Kenya - one of the hottest, driest regions in the world. Due to a lack of significant rainfall over an 18 month period , the citizens of Turkana are enduring some of the worst conditions of starvation. Let’s see how Turkana turns the table and puts forward efforts to get through such a rough patch in their history.

Man Made

At first, the starvation crisis was blamed upon the irregular weather patterns occurring in Kenya. However, further examination of lawmaking in the region suggests the blame may be placed on Turkana’s government. Economic policy-making on agriculture and food security has been reduced to a game of empty promises and pipe dreams. The recently published “Budget Policy Statement for 2019- 2022” portrays the false claims and promises the government says just to raise the hopes of Turkana’s residents.

The book first claims to state that within three years, maize production will increase from 40 million to 67 million bags. Secondly, that by 2022, rice production will increase almost four-fold, from 112,800 to 406,486 metric tonnes. Lastly it “promises” on behalf of the government, that the government will increase potato production from 1.2 million to six million metric tons within the three years. Fourth, that meat production will increase from 700,000 to 990,000 tonnes by 2022.

The false promises made by the chief economic managers of Kenya have stripped the hope off of each Turkana resident.

Credit: JARED NYATAYA

“It's Not an Emergency, Yet”

The Turkana government has reported that more than 1.1 million people living within Kenya are currently facing extreme food shortages; a figure that authorities claim does constitute a “major emergency.” They speak out to say that these circumstances are “normal” for a region that undergoes a lack of rainfall every year.

Although Turkana is the largest amongst all 47 of Kenya's regions, it is one of the least developed, with some critics saying politicians only visit the area to appeal for votes. So Turkana is left with no choice but to endure the “symptoms'' of Kenya’s irregular weather.

How Can you Help

It is crucial to stay educated on topics like “Hunger in Turkana” so that we are aware of what is happening and can better come up with solutions that can benefit our world and society. It is also crucial to fully grasp the knowledge you have gained from and spread it to those unaware of the difficult times we are currently facing.

There are many petitions you can sign to help the residents in Turkana. Here are the following petitions that are live right now: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/996/513/080/stetch-your-hands-to-the-hungry-turkana-people/

https://www.fh.org/our-work/countries/kenya/

It is time to step out of your bubble and look at different viewpoints: see where you stand, use your rights. Your voice is what matters and what helps make this world a more wise and educated place.

Resources

Kenya. (2019, July 23). Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://www.fh.org/our-work/countries/kenya/

Sign Petition: Stretch your hands to the hungry Turkana people. (n.d.). Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://www.thepetitionsite.com/996/513/080/stetch-your-hands-to-the-hungry-turkana-people/

2019, T., Kariuki, J., Alushula, P., Guguyu, O., & Wanjohi, P. (2020, September 29). Turkana hunger is a man-made disaster. Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/analysis/columnists/Turkana-hunger-a-man-made-disaster/4259356-5036268-kro77l/index.html

Kenyan anger over Turkana 'starvation' being ignored. (2019, March 19). Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47624616

Hunger in Turkana, Kenya. (n.d.). Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://www.wvi.org/food-assistance/article/hunger-turkana-kenya

Turkana. (n.d.). Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://worldrelief.org/turkana/