Kenya sends emergency aid to drought-hit north

NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenya’s government released $38 million on Friday to kick-start a plan to deliver food, water and medicine to rural northern communities afflicted by drought. Fifteen trucks set off for 11 districts in the north on Friday and 25 more begin the journey on Saturday. Operations are being conducted jointly with the U.N.’s World Food Program. Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the immediate focus was to save the areas from plunging into a humanitarian emergency. “The prime minister said the challenge is so immense that it requires mobilization of all arms of government, which must act rapidly and decisively,” his office said in a statement. …

Kenya sends emergency aid to drought-hit north