Kenya's government released $38 million today to kick-start a plan to deliver food, water and medicine to rural northern communities afflicted by drought.
Fifteen trucks set off for 11 districts in the north today and 25 more begin the journey tomorrow. Operations are being conducted jointly with the UN's World Food Programme.
Prime minister Raila Odinga said the immediate focus was to save the areas from plunging into a humanitarian emergency.
"The prime minister said the challenge is so immense that it requires mobilisation of all arms of government, which must act rapidly and decisively," his office said in a statement.
Much of east Africa's biggest economy suffered long droughts last year that left 10 million people needing food aid.
About 5.8 million Kenyans need food aid now, the government says.
Reuters
