The number of drought-affected Kenyans is expected to reach six million by January, according to the latest projections from the National Drought Management Authority. The rains that have fallen in the country since October are largely insufficient and the situation remains critical. Result: conflicts for access to available resources multiply. This is the case for example in the county of Kitui, one of the driest in the country.
In late November, within two weeks, the dead bodies of two men were found in Kitui East sub-county. According to the authorities, these are residents who are victims of the conflict between Akamba farmers and Somali camel herders over access to water and pasture.
This ancient conflict even dates back to the pre-colonial era, but has recently been exacerbated by the extreme drought that has ravaged the region for nearly three years. According to a senator from Kitui county, this conflict would have even caused dozens of deaths this year. Herders, often from neighboring Garissa and Tana River counties, are accused of invading farmland.
A fortnight ago, the local authorities ordered the herders to clear out, on pain of being forcibly evacuated – as was the case in 2017 during a previous drought.
Last month, the case was brought before the Kenyan Senate. The Kenya National Cohesion Commission (NCIC), supposed to prevent and regulate conflicts between communities, is accused of inaction and had to explain itself.
The regional authorities are calling for additional security means to contain the situation.
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