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Kenya

Kenya Update, 9 July 1997

Introduction
Weather in most areas remained cold and windy and this has favored crops through reduced evaporation and evapo-transpiration rates. Turkana received recognizable amounts of rain through out the district and this have greatly improved water availability especially for the animals

Kajiado

The district started experiencing cold weather conditions. No rains were however experienced.

Distribution of UNIMIX to secondary/distribution center was completed and plans for distribution are under way.

Turkana

The district received some good amounts of rainfall, through out the week, fairly well distributed in the district. The weather has also remained cold. The rains have greatly improved water sources especially for the animals and pastures are expected to improve.

Due to the cold weather, many community members have contracted common cold. Cases of malaria is also on the increase due to pooling of water. WV and Ministry of Health are collaborating in treating and educating the communities in control and prevention of malaria.

Many trading centers in the district have had increased supply of cereals although prices are still high. A 90 Kg bag of maize is selling between US$32.7 and 36.4 while a similar amount of beans is going for a minimum of US$72.8. Meat prices for small animals has stabilized at US$21.8 although a few centers have recorded sale at US$32.7.

Marsabit

Dry but cold weather conditions prevailed during the week. However, due to breakdown of communication means in this remote place we are not able to send an update right now. We will communicate on relief activities in Marsabit as soon as we get information from the field.

Wajir

The weather was generally cold and windy but no rains were received during the week.

Farmers around Wajir town have continued to benefit from sales of their horticultural produce, namely water melons, kales and spinach. Maize and sorghum in the field has not yet been harvested but it is in good condition.

Ground and surface water was available in the district both for animals and human. Some farmers have been using shallow well water for bucket irrigation on their vegetable gardens.

Government of Kenya and Oxfam have continued to distribute relief food in the district.

Conclusion

The situation in Turkana is encouraging especially the improvement on cereal availability. The Food For Work Projects, once started will avail more food to the affected families.

The cool and wet conditions reported in most areas will help salvage the April crop ie maize and sorghum. Early maturing varieties of these cereals stand a greater chance of maturing. We will keep on monitoring the situation and updating the management of the developments.