Preparing for Drought: Samburu West Residents Urged to Make Hay and Address Insecurity

Residents of Samburu West sub-county are being urged to take proactive steps to prepare for the inevitable dry season by making hay while the rains are still abundant. This call to action comes from Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, who highlighted the urgent need for local farmers to utilize the ongoing light rains to harvest and store grass. The MP’s address to residents in Loosuk village emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the dry season and tackling other pressing issues, including food security and regional insecurity.

In her address, MP Lesuuda observed that the recent rains have resulted in the growth of long grass, now reaching about three feet in height. She encouraged residents to seize this opportunity to harvest the grass and store it properly. “Due to the ongoing rain, the grass is about three feet tall. I urge you to harvest since it will grow back and then store it so that we stop treating drought as an emergency,” Lesuuda said. By making hay now, residents can build a reserve to sustain their livestock through the upcoming drought, potentially mitigating the adverse effects of the dry season.

In addition to haymaking, Lesuuda emphasized the importance of food security. She urged local farmers to replant food crops immediately after harvesting, rather than waiting for the traditional planting season in November. “Farmers are now harvesting beans, and I advise them to replant instead of waiting for November to do so. Samburu West has the potential to feed the entire county,” she noted. By taking these proactive steps, the community can enhance its resilience against food shortages and ensure a more stable supply of food throughout the year.

However, the MP also addressed another significant concern: insecurity. Residents of Loosuk, Poro, and Suguta have been displaced from their homes due to increased violence along the Samburu-Baringo border. Many are now living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, a situation that has compounded the region’s challenges. Lesuuda called for concerted efforts from both community leaders and security personnel to address these issues effectively.

“As pastoralists’ leaders, we should talk to our people to stop the bloodshed and displacement, and those tasked with handling security should do their jobs thoroughly and ensure people leave the IDP camps and take their children to school,” she said. The MP emphasized that restoring security and allowing displaced families to return to their homes is critical not only for their well-being but also for the broader stability of the region.

Lesuuda further highlighted the role of education in breaking the cycle of violence. She pointed out that when children are kept out of school and confined to IDP camps, they are more likely to develop feelings of resentment and anger, which can perpetuate violence and retaliatory attacks. “When children don’t attend school and are confined in IDP camps, they become bitter, knowing that that community killed my parents, and the vicious cycle of violence and retaliatory attacks will never end. We are ready even if the government must use force for us to take children to school,” she said.

The MP’s remarks underscore the interconnected nature of the issues facing Samburu West: drought preparedness, food security, and regional insecurity. By addressing these challenges simultaneously, the community can work towards a more stable and secure future. The call to action for making hay, replanting crops, and restoring security and education highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure the well-being of all residents and promote long-term resilience.