People, Wildlife Endure Impact of Drought in Kenya

Data from the National Drought Management Authority indicate that at least 4.35 million people in 23 counties are facing starvation with another 846,000 in nine additional counties in need of assistance. This comes as the Kenyan government set aside Sh2 billion for immediate response to the raging drought and famine in the nation.

In addition, repeated failed rainy seasons have resulted in over 10,000 crocodiles dying in the species' second-largest habitat in Africa, Lake Kamnarok in Kenya's Rift Valley, after years of reduced water levels.

Key species within important ecosystems such as the Tsavo National Parks and Amboseli are also bearing the brunt of the drought with more than 200 elephants having died while surviving key species have ventured out of protected areas and into communities, further increasing cases of human-wildlife conflict.