Pastoralists in Turkana are fleeing to neighbouring countries in search of water and pasture.
The ravaging drought threatens the survival of their livestock. They are emaciated.
Turkana Kibish deputy county commissioner Eric Wanyonyi yesterday said some Kenyans have crossed to Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Starving residents are also seeking food. Wanyonyi urged the national government and humanitarian agencies to help. The appeal came as the county government, led by Deputy Governor Peter Lotesro flagged off relief food.
"The county government has flagged off 36,000 bags (50kg maize), 10,000 bags (50kg beans) and 10,000 jerrycans (20 litres) of cooking oil as we plan to reach more partners to assist before the drought gets out of hand," Lotesro said.
The worst-hit areas are Nakalale in Turkana North, Nanaam and Songot in Turkana West, Lobokat in Kainuk Turkana South, and Kibish, Kaeris and Lapur in Turkana North.
The county has so far received support from the World Food Programme. Leaders appealed for more support.
Wanyonyi said Kibish, which is located 400km from Lodwar town, had some green pasture, but locusts invaded it, leaving pastoralists in a dilemma. Water sources, including boreholes, have dried up.
"We are experiencing a tough drought that has caused seasonal rivers and water sources to dry up, leaving pastoralists with no option but to migrate," he said.
He cautioned pastoralists to be wary of rustlers from the two neighbouring countries.
"There has been cattle rustling at the border of Kibish. Merille militia from Ethiopia and Toposa bandits from South Sudan have been a threat to Turkana herders," he said.
