Eastern Africa's worst humanitarian crisis in 60 years

UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Mr. Aeneas Chuma addressing journalists during the media briefing on the humanitarian crisis in Kenya

(August 10, 2011, UNIC Nairobi ) - The drought facing the Eastern Africa region, said to be "the worst in 60 years", has caused a severe food crisis across Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya and threatens the livelihood of more than 12 million people. A large number of refugees from southern Somalia have fled to neighboring Kenya and Ethiopia, where crowded, unsanitary conditions, together with severe malnutrition have led to a large number of deaths.

In order to highlight the situation, the United Nations Communication Group in Kenya organised a media briefing on 26 July 2011 to give more insight on the humanitarian crisis in the country. The briefing was addressed by various senior UN representatives in enya, including Mr. Aeneas Chuma, the UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator. In his statement, Mr. Chuma said that up to 3.5 million people would be in dire need of food in the coming months, especially in North Eastern Kenya where resource-conflict was worsening the situation.

“We are grateful that the Government, through a cabinet memorandum, has authorized the release of funds to nine ministries to look into the drought situation. We urge other stakeholders to support us in ensuring that we mitigate the situation”, Mr. Chuma stated.

“We are grateful that the Government, through a cabinet memorandum, has authorized the release of funds to nine ministries to look into the drought situation. We urge other stakeholders to support us in ensuring that we mitigate the situation”, Mr. Chuma stated.

UNICEF Country Representative Olivia Yambi called for urgent response to the famine that has led to high death rates of women and children in the Northern part of the country.
Speaking at the press briefing, Ms. Yambi said children were the most affected with high records of serious malnutrition levels and death rates. “The crisis is very serious, the shock hits hardest on children and women with many districts in Kenya showing elevated levels of malnutrition.”

In view of the refugees from Somalia, UNHCR Representative Elike Segbor said discussions with the Government on opening of the Ifo II camp had gone through and already 300 tents had been set up and 1,500 refugees moved in.

 He however noted that preparations were still ongoing to clear the outskirts of the camp which has about 80,000 people. Mr Segbor also confirmed that the Kenyan Government had agreed to open a transit centre where people entering Kenya from Somalia have to pass through for screening and proper registration.