WHEN WILL TURKANA BE FOOD SUFFICIENT?

It behooves to say the truth. Drought in Kenya - and particularly in Turkana - isn't a new thing. It came calling in 1952 killing nearly 50% of livestock. After almost a decade of breeding and laughing it came back hitting in 1960 decimating the remaining livestock. Then it occurred in 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010.

And now, in 2014 the cries of hungry babies and skinny, malnourished mothers can still be heard from this northwestern corner of Kenya. The culprit is none other than - drought.

Fruitless Military Operations

Let’s look at it this way. Northern Kenya has endured countless military operations under the guise of flashing out tribal warlords and restoring peace and order.

During these escapades, many innocent lives were lost, women were raped and peoples' livelihoods destroyed.  

Albeit all the efforts, nothing tangible is there for all to see. Northern Kenya is still insecure. Bandits still reign. Lives are lost daily. Livestock is stolen. Generally, the State has nothing positive to boast of.

Which beggars the questions - what is ailing this segment of the republic? Could there be a different dose?

Stronger and food secure northern Kenya

Northern Kenya, contrary to the perception of many Kenyans, can stand on its own. It can feed its people. It has the potential to produce more than it needs.

There are reasons why this has never been achieved. Convoluted thinking is the mother of all the ailments bedeviling the north.

The people of northern Kenya have over 58,000,000 livestock. Surely, these people should not depend on relief food for generations.

But what is the problem? Water is still a preserve of a few. Large proportion of the population can neither read nor write...

They must be supported for them to support themselves. They are thirsty of knowledge. Is devolution the long-awaited bellwether? Let’s wait and see.

Drilling boreholes

This is the way. Send the military to drill boreholes and livestock watering points to avert conflicts over resources. At-least this will sanitise their stingy records arising from their infamous operations in the north. 

It adds no value to stick to inflexible thinking of the past when people are dying. Feeding the masses is enslaving them. Teaching them to feed themselves is freeing them. 

Incorporate Tullow Oil Plc

Turkana leadership must incorporate Tullow Oil Plc in irrigating Turkana land. This is the best opportunity for them to demonstrate their friendship with the people of Turkana. 

It is incumbent for local leaders to know that championing for peoples' lives is not demanding for government food rations whenever deaths occur. True leadership should be seen in action. Stop empty brouhaha and free the people from the Prison of Hunger! Irrigation is the way!

Twitter: @mlemukol