The government has been urged to declare drought as a national disaster to enhance resource mobilization.
The worsening drought raving parts of the country has left millions of people vulnerable, individuals, and animals dying over starvation.
About 5.5 million people have been affected.
14 senators for Arid and Semi-arid lands (ASAL) urged the government to declare drought as a national disaster to trigger non-state actors and other well-wishers to help the affected population.
“Given the fact that Kenya was declared a middle-income country, donors and other non-state actors are not willing to respond to the drought crisis unless the government declares the drought a national disaster,” they said in a statement.
Led by Mandera Senator Ali Roba, the lawmakers asked the government to reassess the situation and design a proper response to save millions of Kenyans affected by the drought.
“The drought has led to the loss of nearly 70 percent of livestock for lack of pasture and water. The fate of the remaining livestock is scary and if nothing is done will soon be wiped out by drought,” they said.
The Senators included Ledama Olekina (Narok), Steve Lelegwe (Samburu), Kanar Seki (Kajiado), Mohamed Chute (Marsabit), James Lomenen (Turkana) and Abass Mohamed (Wajir).
Others are Miriam Omar (nominated), Peris Tobiko (nominated), William Kisang (Elgeyo Marakwet), Hezena Lemaletian (nominated), Joseph Gathuku (Lamu), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi) and Danson Mungatana (Tana River).
