Wajir South MP Calls for National Emergency as Drought Worsens.
By Musa Bashir
Wajir South Member of Parliament Mohamed Adow has called on the national government to declare the ongoing drought a national emergency, warning that the situation in his constituency has reached critical levels as communities face acute water shortages and massive livestock losses.
Speaking after touring several parts of the constituency to monitor ongoing water projects, Adow said the situation remains dire, with many residents still lacking access to clean water. His inspection focused primarily on the Kursi Water Project, a major initiative designed to bring water from a source located 34 kilometers away.
“Kursi has been without water for 33 years, it was first established in 1993 and we are now in the final stages of completing the project. Hopefully, within the next two weeks, we will finally see water flowing in Kursi.” Adow said.
The MP described the project as a critical lifeline for the area, noting that access to water is urgently needed as the drought continues to devastate livelihoods across Wajir South.
The prolonged dry spell has left many communities without reliable water sources, forcing residents and their livestock to travel long distances in search of pasture and water. According to Adow, livestock deaths are rising sharply, deepening fears for the future of pastoralist families whose economic survival depends almost entirely on their herds.
“Livestock have started dying in big numbers. We are really terrified for the lives of pastoralists and When pastoralists lose their livestock, they lose their mainstay. They are then staring at poverty for at least a generation.” Adow said.
In response to the crisis, the MP said efforts are underway to truck water to the hardest-hit in various parts of Wajir South sub-county. However, he stressed that the current response is insufficient given the scale of need.
“The critical thing right now is to bring water to the people and we’re doing what we can, but we need more help. We need more help.” He added.
He expressed appreciation for non-governmental organizations that have stepped in to support affected communities, describing their contributions as vital during what he termed a “biting drought.” Nonetheless, he emphasized that the primary responsibility lies with the national government.
“We are not people dependent on the goodwill of others and The government must take its core responsibility of ensuring that lives are saved.” Adow said.
The legislator reiterated his appeal to President William Ruto to formally declare the drought a national emergency, arguing that such a move would unlock greater resources and coordinated relief efforts.
“For now, the urgent thing is to ensure that more trucks carrying water are on our roads and that people are getting the help they really, really need,” he said.
As the constituency awaits the completion of the Kursi Water Project, residents remain hopeful that the long-awaited water supply will provide at least partial relief amid one of the harshest droughts in recent years.
