Food production in the vast Naivasha constituency could be adversely affected due to the delay in the expected long rains. Speaking to the Star yesterday, farmers who have tilled their lands have warned of a food shortage in the coming months despite assurances from the meteorological department of expected heavy rains in the coming days.

Andrew Mubei a large scale wheat farmer from Ndabibi said they had tilled their farms ready for planting but the delayed rains were causing them concern. "Our production at the end of the season might be affected as we await the predicted long rains," he said.

In Mai Mahiu, IDPs farming in the area called on the government to supply them with seeds and fertiliser at subsidised rates saying even if it rains, they will still have food shortage without these inputs.

Naivasha DC Mohammed Abass termed the food situation as "safe but could change in a fortnight if the expected rains do not arrive". "We fear there might be an influx of pastoralists seeking pastures in this area if it does not rain as expected," he said. Abass told herders to respect private land and warned that they will be arrested and prosecuted if they trespass.