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Declare hunger in northern Kenya a national disaster
Echakan Amaja Namoni, 76, eats wild doum palm fruit (Hyphaene thebaica) outside tukul shelter in Loperot village near Lokichar in Turkana County n February 16, 2026. The county has been hit by severe drought.
Disaster • The hunger and starvation ravaging Kenyans in the arid and semi-arid region should be declared a national disaster, says Jim Webo. “The media images of carcasses and emaciated livestock should provoke an urgent reaction from the leaders, who are more obsessed with hurling insults at their opponents, dishing out money, and ferrying people to their rallies. Politicians can be ridiculously shameless!”
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Opportunity • The “maguta”, Gikuyu for oil, in the top national political seats is a major attraction, says Githuku Mungai. However, he adds, they should not treat those on the other side as big enemies for attempting to get into the next government. “This is not personal property but an opportunity given to you by the people to take the country forward.” His contact is [email protected].
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Boring ad • Though Kenya Power’s new campaign, #KaaRadaUsichezwe, which is meant to sensitise customers about fraudsters, is such a great idea, Mista Nyambati is not all impressed with the TV commercial. “I find the advertisement boring as it lacks creativity, and watching it is a big drain. The creative director should have done better!” His contact is [email protected].
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Blocked • Footpaths are meant to secure pedestrians from the grave danger of having to share roads with motor vehicles, notes Moses Kariri. However, he’s disappointed that they are not prioritised in Nairobi. “A major public hospital in Eastlands has decided to completely barricade a nearby footpath. It’s time Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura)intervened.” For the details, his email address is [email protected].
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Grave risk • Illegal turns on Nairobi’s Mbagathi Way around the Kenya Defence Forces Memorial Hospital have become deathtraps and should be closed immediately, says Job Otieno. “Motorists and cyclists seeking shortcuts keep making illegal turns on this busy road, exposing others to grave danger. Kura should take quick action to avert more casualties.” His email address is [email protected].
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