Report On Famine Relief in Kenya 1962
Report On Famine Relief in Kenya 1962
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FOREWORD BY MR. T. NEIL, C.M.G., T.D.
(Permanent Secretary, Ministry of State for Constitttlional Afiairs and Administration)
This Report follows on from the earlier Report, "Famine and Floods in Kenya, 196I".
It will be recalled that at the beginning of the year Kenya was just recovering from the
disastrous floods of L96l which had made famine relief distribution very much more difficult
and which had necessitated the Government calling upon the assistance of the Armed Forces
in wide-scale operations. Early in 1962 it was possible to stand down Military and Royal Air
Force assistance and revert to normal methods of distribution. Following upon the exceptional
rains of 1961 and reasonable rainfall in most places during the "long rains" of April-June,
1962, food prospects improved rapidly, particularly in Ukambani, and it became possible
to reduce the number of people who were dependent upon famine relief for their existence.
In February we were feeding upwards of half a million people, but the number has steadily
fallen away during the year until in December we are feeding the relatively small number of
about 70,000. Famine relief is now very largely a zonal problem affecting three main areas-
(a) in the Coast hinterland where, due to the failure of the "long rains" earlier this year
and recent poor "short rains", we continue to be responsible for about 50,000 people,
mainly Duruma and Wataita, and Giriama in certain parts of Kilifi District. This
area is very much a marginal agricultural zone and it is expected that we shall have
to continue with famine relief measures until a crop can be harvested from the
"long rains" of 1963. Famine relief will, therefore. be required on a considerable
scale in these places until July, 7963, at the very earliest;
(b) in Turkana, where we still have about 6,500 people, mostly women, children and old
persons, in five famine relief camps. Mention is made of these camps in the body of
the Report and it is hoped that the Churches will continue to provide supervision
until the problem of rehabilitatin-e the camp inmates is flnally solved, but that may
not be until well towards the end of 1963; and
(c) in the Kajiado District of Masai, in clearing up the aftermath of the devastation
caused by famine and floods, with consequent loss of livestock. There the problem
is resolving itself very much according to plan and it is expected that the whole of
Kajiado District will be ofi famine relief early in 1963.
In brief, then, the year has seen a steady improvement in the situation and it is now one
which is again well within the capacity of the Provincial Administration to handle in the
same manner as it has done in the past where there have been local food shortages. The
National Food Relief Committee has dissolved, the purposes for which it was formed having
been very substantially achieved.
One of the most worrying aspects, and one which presents considerable anxiety for the
future is the very rapid growth in the country's population. The preliminary estimate of popu-
lation as a result of the 1962 Census indicates that the population has gone up from about
5] million in 1948 to more than 8j million in 1962, which represents an average rate of
growth of 3.2 per cent per annum. These figures, incidentally, despite the inherent problems
they pose both for the present and for the future, are the strongest testimony to the merits
of the Government which the country has enjoyed in the past, indicating as they do mastery
over tribal wars, famine and pestilence.
It is significant that this population growth has not been conflned solely to the better
agricultural areas, but is also generally true of the less favourable areas where the oppor-
tunities for a matching agricultural improvement are less promising. It may well be that in
these areas the population is increasin,e more rapidly than food production and in these
circumstances it would be reasonable to expect in future more frequent reccurrences of local
famines. The overall Kenya situation does no more than illustrate a world-wide trend, to
which the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations has drawn attention
in its Report, "The State of Food and Agriculture, 1962", where it is recorded that whilst
there has been a pause in the expansion of world agricultural production, world population
has increased during the year. The F.A.O. Report also notes that since the end of the 1939-45
war, population in the less developed regions of the world has increased by no less than
51 per cent, whereas world food production has increased by only l3 per cent. This, however,
is not the whole picture, since almost all the increase in world food production has been
contributed, not by the less-developed regions where increases are needed to raise the standard
of living, but by the more developed parts of the world.
The Kenya picture is, therefore, very much the world picture in microcosm. The great
and pressing need, if we are to avoid a recurrence of local famines, lies in the improvement
of agriculture and ways and means must be found of raising the productivity of the less
agriculturally favourable areas so that they can support their increased populations. Produc-
tivity in turn depends to a very large extent on the nutritional status and health of the
workers, since underfed people are lethargic, more idle and less productive. The development
of agriculture in these areas will not be easy, therefore, and will require not only the injection
of considerable capital for such projects as irrigation and improved crops, but also a con-
sistent educational effort by the agricultural experts and by all concerned with the govern-
ment of these unfortunate areas.
Recent events suggest that sooner or later the country will have to turn its attention to
the storage of a proportion of its own agricultural surpluses, both in grain and other com-
modities, so that there is always a carry-over from the fat years for use in the lean; the
economic and scientific problems will be considerable, but the advantages to the country in
dealing with any repetition of the 1960-62 conditions will be manifest. It is inevitable that such
conditions will recur at some future date and it may not then be possible to draw on the
foresight and providence of other countries. During the famine period we have beneflted from
the agricultural surpluses of the United States and dietary supplements were received from a
number of countries. These provide, however, only limited and temporary assistance and
they do not lessen the importance of planning for an adequate food supply for our people,
produced primarily from our own resources.
The problems of the marginal areas must then be tackled with redoubled vigour and
with the full support of public opinion. There is no doubt but that the 196042 famine con-
ditions in many parts of the country were exacerbated by the indifference which the people
had shown in the past to sound agricultural advice on such matters as improved husbandry,
crops and methods of conservation. Ukambani and the Coast hinterland, to specify but two
such areas, added to their difficulties over the period by their own sloth and neglect in years
gone by.
For the future, I suggest that the Government's attention. supported by informed public
opinion. should be directed to-
(a)the improvement of crop and animal husbandry, especially in the marginal areas
where the need is greatest;
(D) the problems of the storage of sulpluses to be carried over as an insurance against
a repetition of the recent famine years;
(c) an assessment of the merits of unrestricted population growth in a land where
economic growth is limited; and
(d)the political considerations involved in relying on Western (or, indeed, any other)
sources for substantial food supplies. Those are part of the political beliefs of the
new East African countries. "Abstracl liberty", as Burke commented, "like other
mere abstractions, is not to be found", and practical ideas of nationhood must take
account of the need to feed ourselves independently of foreign benevolence.
The first three of these questions are being considered by the National Advisory Council
on Nutrition, but whatever measures are taken will require the full support of the people
achieved by widespread education and information efforts.
The cost of the past two years in cash. in goods and in services has been enorrnous,
representing perhaps the largest single project undertaken by the Government in this period.
Expenditure against Her Majesty's Government funds amounted to f775,000, by the National
Food Relief Committee f200,000, and [145,000 provided by the Kenya Government; services
amounting to f270,000 were provided by Her Majesty's Forces and food to the value of
f3,206,000 was received from the United States Government. In all, and taking into account
special grants amounting to f816,000 made by Her Majesty's Government for the repair and
rehabilitation of damage, the famine and flood operations have cost nearly €5] million. And
the achievement? In the most simple terms many tens of thousands of lives were undoubtedly
saved.
In submitting this second and, I trust, the last report on the subject of famine, one must
hope that the lessons learnt have been noted lor the future and that, if by any great mis-
fortune, famine occurs again on a large scale. the Administration of the day will re-read
our experiences and take action accordingly.
Nairobi,
3lst December, 1962.
CONTENTS
Foreword Page
Cnaprsn ONs
General Review I
CHlprrn Two
Weather. 1962
CHeprrn TnRrB
Provincial and District Reports-
(a) Coast Province . . l0
(6) Southern Province l9
(c) Central Province 22
Cna.prsn Foun
Medical and Nutritiorral Considerations, 1961-62 39
Cnnprsr Frvr
Population Groivth in Kenya, 1948-1962 43
ApprNorcrs 47
ft,LusrnnrroNs . . Centre
Mlps at end
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CHAPTER ONE
REVIEW OF 1962
General Situation
Military assistance, mainly in connexion with repair of communications by Royal
Engineer units, as well as assistance with military transport, which had been given in 1961
continued until late February, 1962, when the whole of the military units engaged were stood
down and Operation "Late Water", as it was knorvn, came ofticially to an end.
In January, the principal districts receiving famine relief were the whole Machakos
District. Tana River, Kajiado, Turkana and the Malindi Subdistrict, together with very large
numbers in parts of Central Nyanza. At this time approximately 400,000 persons were being
kept alive on famine relief and the organization, administration and distribution of foodstuffs
on this scale taxed the resources of the Government to the limit. Of those receiving famine
relief, no less than 264,000 were Wakamba in Machakos District and the Government and
the Provincial Administration were extremely concerned at the continuation of famine relief
over such a long period-approximately a year-and the inherent danger that this would
build up a particular "famine relief mentality" amongst the people. It was widely thought
that the Government, due to the exigencies of the situation which had existed throughout
1961, was in danger of creating a new form of social service which the people would expect
to continue indeflnitely and from which it would be difficult to wean them away. The main
famine areas as at January, 7962, are shown on the map (attached to cover). January, 1962,
represented the peak of the famine relief operations during the year, with a total distribution
of.77,933 bags (each of 200 lb.) of maize, and a large part of this total went to the Machakos
and Kajiado Districts.
During the flrst quarter of 1962, it proved possible to reduce food allocations to
Machakos because of the excellent crops then coming to harvest from plantings in the last
quarter of 1961, and it finally ceased at the end of March, as far as Machakos was concerned.
No further foodstuffs were, therefore. allocated to Machakos for the remainder of the year
and the Wakamba people were able to rely entirely on their own crops of maize, beans and
vegetables, and cash realized from the sale of such crops. Although the Machakos District
received massive famine relief supplies during 1961, early in 1962 the district already had a
substantial food surplus for export. The people, in the event, accepted the need to rely upon
themselves and not upon the Government and no particular problems in connexion with the
reduction of famine relief were experienced.
In April, the districts suffering most from famine included Kajiado, Fort Hall, Tana
River and Central Nyanza all of which, except Kajiado, had had their plantings of prospec-
tive food crops inundated by heavy rains. In Kajiado, although grazing was abnormally
plentiful throughout the year, five-sevenths of the Masai stock (about 500,000 head of cattle),
had perished in the floods. Consequently it was not until about September that sufficient
calving of cows began to bring back to normal the supplies of milk, which with ox blood,
is the main diet of this tribe. It is estimated that in 1959 there were in Kajiado District some
700,000 head of stock, whereas only 200,000 head were left by the end of 1961.
Owing to the partial failure of the normal harvests in the Rift Valley Province, small
allocations of food were made to Nakuru, Thomson's Falls, Naivasha and West Pokot, and
also Baringo District. Likewise, Tana River District was allocated famine relief maize in
the first quarter of the year. In Kilifli, Taita and Kwale Districts where. owing to the failure
of the "long rains" earlier in the year, very poor harvests were reaped, substantial quantities
of famine relief had to be allocated in the latter half of the year. This was particularly so in
the case of Kwale hinterland where, apart from a comparatively few farmers who were able
to buy food from the sale of stock, practically no normal food crops were available. This led
to Kwale District being by far the most serious famine area towards the end of the year.
In November and December nearly half of the total of monthly allocation for the whole
Colony was being distributed in the Coast hinterland. The field staff of both the Community
Development Section of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Kenya Branch of the British
Red Cross Society gave valuable assistance in the distribution of food in Kwale District.
Similar circumstances, but on a smaller scale, occurred in the adjoining Taita District, which
received allocations of maize in every month of the year except July. Other districts (as is
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shownin Appendix III) had, during the year, to be given famine relief, e.g. Narok (April-
November), Nyeri (March-October), Lamu (July-August), South Nyanza (February-
November), Kericho (February-June), Embu (January-March), Malindi (March-September)
and Garissa (January-March).
Unless some further unforeseen emergency occurs, it is expected that only the following
districts will still be requiring some famine relief in early 1963-Kajiado, Kwale, Taita, Cen-
tral Nyanza, Kilifi and Turkana. For the latter district special measures to cope with the
long-term problems of malnutrition are now under consideration.
"The circumstances in which the National Food Relief Committee came to be established
some 15 months ago, its precise composition and terms of reference, and the general nature
of its activities, have already been described in the previous Official Report entitled 'Famine
and Floods in Kenya 1961' (Chapter IV paras. 42-51); but, now that this Committee is at
the point of dissolution, it has been asked for a dying declaration of its experiences, which
should be read in conjunction with that previous Report.
"Since local famines have been only too frequent a feature of Kenya's history, and they
have usually been handled by the Provincial Administrations and statutory marketing boards
with the utmost efficiency, the first question is why should a National Committee have been
needed at all on this occasion? The Committee would like to reply that the only justification
for its existence was the unprecedented scale, both in gravity and in geographical extent, of
the drought and floods in 1961 and their aftermath; but that the Provincial Administration,
or any authority replacing it with equal eitrciency, supported by the statutory marketing
boards will remain competent to deal with local famines of lesser degrees (which is the reason
why the Committee accepts dissolution now, notwithstanding the continuation of drought
and floods in certain localities).
"Even during the life of the Committee, tlre primary responsibility for all action in the
field remained with the Provincial Administration and statutory marketing boards, supported
by the armed services and voluntary organizations, and the functions of the Committee (apart
from public appeal for funds) were no more than advisory.
"Nevertheless, when drought or floods reach such a scale as to endanger nearly half a
million people, the crisis assumes national proportions, and a National Committee is needed-
(a) to arouse and to represent the national conscience;
(b) to achieve fully co-ordinated assessment of the needs of each stricken area and of the
overall requirements, both in respect of foodstuffs and in respect of auxiliary
services;
(c) to keep Government fully informed of all such requirements;
(d) to ascertain and to tap all other possible sources of assistance by way of money,
food, or services, whether local or overseas;
(e) to establish some uniform policy with regard to the scale and conditions of relief, and
(l) to assist the Provincial Administration in explaining to the public the purposes and
limitations of famine relief.
"For these purposes, the composition of the National Food Re1ief Committee was found
to be eminently suitable. It consisted in effect, of three sections, namely-
(l) Members of the Legislative Council representing the areas most seriously aftected;
(2) Representatives of all the organizations from whom help was forthcoming by way
of gifts or services (such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, the
armed services, the British Red Cross Society, missionary bodies and statutory
boards).
(3) Representatives of all the Ministries most closely concerned.
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"The first purpose stated above, of arousing and representing the national conscience,
was undoubtedly achieved. That is proved by the remarkable response to the Committee's
appeal, both from the people of Kenya of all races, tribes, and ages, and from generous
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sympathizers overseas, which has already been described by 'Famine and Floods in Kenya
1961'. Appendix VI contains the Statement of Accounts.
"As regards assessment of the needs of each stricken area, some District Commissioners
have naturally tended to discount any suggestion that this was beyond the competence of
their own staff; but in fact it involved an unprecedented and almost superhuman strain upon
small numbers of dedicated officers already burdened by many other duties, and the Com-
mittee believes that investigations and reports made on its behalf by Members of Legislative
Council and by voluntary organizations already in the field helped to ensure a full apprecia-
tion of the situation in each district. Also, by receiving unofficial reports and instigating their
investigation, the Committee served as a clearing house for disposal of complaints.
the
"Inthe ascertainment and most profitable exploitation of all possible sources of assistance,
Committee benefited greatly from the second section of its membership, representing
external or voluntary organizations as described above. It was through such organizations,
and thanks to the overall picture of requirements which their representatives obtained in the
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Committee, that Kenya received vast quantities of foodstuffs according to its true needs, and
the invaluable auxiliary manpower and equipment of the armed services and voluntary
organizations was deployed to the best advantage.
"The Committee endeavoured to ensure thrt local products were used to the maximum
extent, and to guard against importation of foodstuffs to the detriment of local producers,
in so far as its resources enabled it to do so. A considerable portion of the Famine Relief
Fund was used for that purpose.
"It was, of course, primarily for the Ministry of Health to recommend scales of famine
relief rations, and the Committee was hardly needed to achieve uniformity in that respect;
nor was rigid uniformity of rations necessary or desirable, where some districts, though
grievously affected by drought or floods, still had some local resources of special protein
foods (such as fish). Nevertheless, at times when all available supplies of supplementary foods
were insufficient to provide everywhere the full ration recommended by the Ministry of
Health, the Committee had the task of advisin-u upon the best use of available supplies in the
light of overall requirements (e.g. restriction of certain supplementary foods to children and
old people, or to particular districts where conditions were most severe).
"There were also questions from tirne to time as to the circutnstatrces in lvhich individuals
should be entitled to famine relief. and as to the best methods of ensuring fair distribution
among them; and in those matters the Committee was able to recommend certain general
principles, though the precise application of those principles might have to be varied accord-
ing to the circumstances of each district.
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(Some examples of such recommettdations are given in Appendix V.)
"Opinions may difler as to the extent to which the National Food Relief Committee has.
in fact, helped the Provincial Administration in explainin-s to the public the purposes and
limitations of famine relief; but there can be no doubt that it has given some assistance in
that respect, either directly by public utterances or by answering demands and complaints,
or indirectly through Members of Legislative Council who were members of the Committee.
Certainly such Members of Legislative Council can, if so disposed, be very helpful indeed
with regard to public relations, especially when the time comes to reduce or to stop relief.
"Though the functions of the Committee rvere wisely limited to the temporary task of
assisting in relief of acute distress durin-e a period of crisis, it became clear at an early stage
of its operations that such crises were liable to recur, unless steps were taken to improve the
production, availability and use of essential foods in the many parts of Kenya where the
population lives in a chronic state of malnutrition, and so near to the edge of starvation that
it does not take much by way of adverse weather to thrust them over that edge.
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"It is, in fact, basically a matter for prevention ralher than cure. The Committee was
able to assist in short-term rehabilitation, by provision of seed for crops and the like, where
such assistance would clearly produce better results at less cost than continuation of faminc
relief for a longer period; but, at the best, that achieved no more than restoration of a status
quo ante, and more constructive measures of a long-term nature must be undertaken as soon
as possible. To that end, on the advice of the National Food Relief Committee, Government
has now established a permanent Advisory Council on Nutrition, with representation thereon
of all Ministries which are in any way concerned with improvement of production, distribu-
tion, or use of essential foods. That Council faces problems much greater than those with
which the National Food Relief Cornmittee has had to contend; but it has made a most
promising start, and all members of the expiring Committee wish it well."
The following extracts from the Minutes of the National Food Relief Committee
issued:-
meetings give suggested principles on which famine relief should be
Scels oF FooD Issurs PEn Hrnn AND ELTGIBILITy FoR FaurNr Rpurr
It was agreed that the basic principle to be followed was 'keep the people alive'.
With regard to local interpretation and assessment of this principle, it was agreed that
t- the Committee should aclvise that the tying of this to the number of stock held by an
individual should take into account his need to preserve some capital for the future, and
the fact that, in current conditions, livestock were frequently either unproductive or
unsaleable, or both. The meeting recognized, however, that application of any principle
must vary according to local conditions.
Arising out of the discussion of eligibility for famine relief, Mr. Matano said that
he was not in agreement with the practice of requiring women, as well as men, to work
for issues of famine relief. A general discussion of this issue followed and it was agreed
that the Committee should advise that the policy of requiring people to work in return
for famine relief should normally bc limited to able-bodied men, because women already
had enough to do looking after their families, especially during periods of famine. It
was, however, agreed that, where able-bodied men are concerned, regard should be had
to the conditions under which they are required to work, bearing in mind that the scale l
of famine relief was not sufficient to feed a man who has to do a very hard day's work,
or has to walk a long way to and from the u,ork required of him. The Committee realized,
however, that the application of any principles of this kind might have to be varied
according to local conditions or local customs.
It was noted that great progress was being made by the voluntary helpers in this
field in teaching people to use supplementary foodstuffs. There was great scope for
further work, however, and volunteers appeared to be available, but the extent to which
they could be employed was limited by considerations of accommodation and transport
in the districts. The Committee decided to advise that Community Development exten-
sion methods should be employed as much as possible to cover education needs, especially
as regards teaching the proper use of concentrated foods.
The Committee approved a proposal from the Coast Province that where people
were in a position to purchase half of the stipulated food ration, they should be allowed
to do so on a commercial basis and the remaining half of their ration made up free of
charge from famine relief stocks.
The note on the provision of famine relief prepared by Mr. Neil for circulation to
the Provincial and District Commissioners was examined and was, broadly, endorsed
by the National Food Relief Committee.
lt was decided that the folloiving points should be included in the note:-
(i) It should be made clear that the mele ownership of several cattle should not in
itself be a disqualification for obtaining famine foodstuffs. There is a need to
encoura-qe retention of a reasonable number of cattle as a form of capital
'equipment' to keep down possibilities of famine in the pastoral districts in
the future.
(ii) Where communal work is done to earn famine relief provisions, it should
normally be conflned to the able-borlied folk of the local community.
(iii) Where possibie, supplies of ration should be supplemented with local foodstuffs.
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Oxford Committee for Famine Relief
A welcome offer of f2,000 was received from the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief
to purchase a suitable launch (to be named "Oxford") to be equipped as a mobile dispensary
for use on the Tana River to serve the riverine villages whose inhabitants suffered severely
in the disastrous floods at the end of last year. 'Ihrs Committee not only donated fI5,000 to
the Famine Relief Fund, but is now considering financial assistance for the rehabilitation
work being undertaken in Turkana.
Food Supplies
As already detailed in Appendix "F" of the 1961 Report, the normal weekly scale of
rations for those on famine relief, as laid down by the nutrition experts of the Ministry of
Health, was 9 lb. mai'2e,2 lb. dried milk or meat and l0 oz. vitaminized edible oil, and this
scale continued as the basic ration in all famine areas.
Maize.-Up to 3ist August, all maize for famine relief had most generously been donated
to Kenya by the U.S.A. (through its Agency for International Development in Kenya), and
also large gifts of non-fat milk powder and edible oil (vitaminized locallv) were received early
in the year from A.I.D. Owing to the then accummulated large surpluses of Kenya-grown
maize, from lst September onwards no further maize was requested from the United States
A.I.D. and thenceforward all Kenya's requirements of famine relief maize were provided from
local sources bought from the Maize Marketing Board at a special concessionary rate related
to the export parity price of Sh. 28i50 per ba-u of 2OOlb. A scrutiny of Appendix III shows
that the demands for maize from most districts still receiving famine relief after August were,
t apart from Kwale and Taita, steadily decreasing in quanlrly in the last half, and more so in
the last quarter, of the year.
A total of 263,422 bags of maize received free from the United States A.I.D. was distri-
t buted. During the year 69,141 bags were purchased from the Maiz.e Marketing Board and
I 80,000 bags of maize received from A.I.D. are being used to replace some of the 96,000 bags
of Kenya maize loaned to Government by the Maize Marketing Board for famine relief
distribution in the floods emergency towards the end of 1961, when free supplies from U.S.A.
were not immediately available.
In all, since the commencement of the famine relief campaign early last year, the equiva-
lent of 474,034 bags (or 42,325 tons) of free Amerrcan maize have been received and distri-
buted for famine relief up to 31st August, 1962. Loans of A.I.D. maize were made by the
Kenya Government to :'-
Tanganyika 2,000 tons.
Somalia 1,724+ tons valued at over f36.000 (to be replaced in
wheat and cash).
Uganda 1.000 bags x 200 lb. (or 100 short tons).
In addition to 2,300 tons of maize airdropped by the R.A.F. during the floods at the
end of 1961 (as recorded in the Report for that year) the following quantities of maize were
airlanded by:
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Royal Rhodesian Air Force ... 342,500Ib. (or nearly 153 tons).
United States Air Force 20 tons.
All the arrangements for the distribution of maize during the year were once again
carried out most eficiently by the Maize Marketing Board in accordance with the monthly
allocation schedules prepared by the Executive Officer (Food Shortage) after receiving the
relevant bids from each District Commissioner concerned. In very few cases had supple-
mentarv issues to be made during the following rnonth. The value of food received from
L U.S. A.I.D. for famine relief was approximately f3{ million and consisted of maize, edible
oil and milk powder.
Supplementary Foodstuffs
Edible oil, together with dried milk, proved most valuable as supplementary foodstuffs
to keep starving people alive and helping to restore such people to above their normal state
of nutrition.
Supplementary foodstulls for distribution for famine relief included:-
Edible oil $ree from A.I.D.) 6.817 drums of 46 gallons each.
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Milk producl.r were received from:-
(a) A.I.D. ffree\ 2,732 tons, of which some 140 tons remained in hand at the end 1
of the year. 1
These are the totals received since mid-I961 to October, 1962,bfi during 1962 weekly
purchases were made of 120 tons meat powder and 30,000 lb. each of charqui and biltong,
all of which were despatched for famine relief under arrangements with Headquarters, E.A.
Command, which throughout the famine operations has given the most invaluable assistance.
Both milk and meat products were first bulked at 37 Supply Depot, R.A.S.C., Kahawa, after
which supplies were despatched as instructed by the Executive Officer (Food Shortage). From
August onwards the balance of the final cargo of A.I.D. milk powder was stored near Konza
Railway Station by M. D. Puri and Sons Ltd., who then despatched it as instructed and this
was still being done at the end of the year, u,hen some 200 tons remained in stock. A gift of
153,600 tins of Southern Rhodesian corned beef u'as sent to Kajiado District.
Ghee.-5,250 36-lb. tins were purchased from Nyanza Marketing Board at Sh.80 per
tin and all was distributed.
Dried Frs/r.-Small quantities of dried fish from Uganda were purchased and issued,
pending the development of the local fisheries at the Turkana famine relief camp on Fer-
guson's Gulf at Lake Rudolf. Here the District Commissioner is now promoting, with financial
assistance from the Famine Relief Appeal Fund and the Disaster Fund of the Ministry of
Agriculture, an industry which should be of the greatest assistance to the Turkana and
others in the Colony, both from the nutritional and marketing aspects.
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Miscellaneoas.-Besides certain smaller gift items of food distributed for famine relief,
a quantity of foodstuffs was gratefully received from the World Council of Churches (in
U.S.A.) and other bodies.
The Kenya Farmers' Association, as agents for the Maize Marketing Board, efficiently
arranged the handling of these goods at Mombasa and for their forward despatch from the
port as requested.
Of the L243,000 received from private sources, some f185,000 came from the Famine
Relief Appeal Fund (set up last year when the National Food Relief Committee was in-
augurated, under the chairmanship of IVIr. Humphrey Slade), f28,000 from the Forces Famine
Appeal Fund, f 15,000 from the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief for drugs and medicines,
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while some f,15,000 worth of gifts in kind was received.
Assistance from the A.I.D. totalled €3,206.000, made up of. f2,445,000 worth of maize,
t499,000 worth of milk powder and f.262,0A0 worth of edibie oil.
Financial assistance from the British Government amounted to f775,000. The largest
proportion of this suln was used for famine relief purchases and distribution. Expenditure
by Her Majesty's Forces totalled L270,00 and expenditure voted by the Kenya Government
f 31,500.
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I The whole operation has shown the tremendous strength and flexibility of Government
servicesin Kenya and demonstrates clearly the advantages to be derived from our present
I organizational and administrative affangements. It is especially noteworthy that the large
complex. expensive and very successful prograrnme, was carried out with only a handful
of specially-engaged temporary staff. In fact the total expenditure on the salaries of tem-
porary officers amounted to only f3,200.
Voluntary Help
Voluntary organizations who have assisted in the administration of famine relief in the
fleld and to whom are due Government's greatest appreciation, included:-
(a) The British Red Cross Society (Kenya Branch) in Machakos, Kajiado and Kwale
Districts.
(b) Christian Council of Kenya, in Kajiado and Turkana.
(c) Catholic Mission, in Turkana.
(d Salvation Army, in Machakos and Turkana.
(e) Two young university students, Messrs. Savory and McNab. invaluable assistance
-qave
in Kajiado District during the year.
(l) Several organizations very kindiy loaned their transport for distribution of foodstuffs
in certain districts, e.g. British Red Cross in Machakos, Kajiado and Kwale; United
States Information Service in Kajiado; Ministry of Works in Kajiado and Kitui;
t Desert Locust Control in Kajiado.
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Staff.-Besides the Government personnel in districts and those of voluntary organiza-
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! tions already mentioned, Mrs. Meadows was engaged from Jannary-September on famine
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relief duties in the Ngong area of Kajiado District, and Mrs. Munro, wife of the Community
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Development Officer, Kwale, assisted for about two months in the Ndurama hinterland of
Kwale later in the year.
Throughout the year, Sir John B. Sinclair-Lockhart, Bt., as Executive Officer (Food
Shortage) in the office of the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of State for Constitutional
Affairs and Administration, continued to assist with the co-ordination of all famine relief
activities.
Appreciation
Appreciation must be recorded of the additional work done in the fle1d, on famine
relief, not only by the voluntary agencies and certain private individuals, but also by officers
of the districts and African district councils concerned. Last, but by no means least, were
the officers of the African authority, locational Councils and so on, upon whom fell the burden
of carefully classifying those people most in need of food and the actual issuing of rations
on the ground. Due to the efforts of those concerned in the campaign, not one person, so far
is known with certainty, of the many thousands in need, died of actual starvation during the
year. It was of the greatest help in adrninistering this operation to have had the co-operation
of all District Commissioners in keeping their demands down to a minimum when, from
September on, the free American maize issues had come to an end, and Government had to
rely on locally-purchased maiz-e.
Detailed reports from District Cornmissioners concerned with famine relief in each of
the six Provinces of Kenya are supplied in Chapter Three.
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CHAPTER TWO
KENYA WEATHER IN 1962
The year 1962 in Kenya did not produce anything approaching the dramatic extremes
of weather experienced during the precedingyear. Heavy rain did persist in many areas until
mid-January, thus shortening considerably the dry season which is normally experienced at
this time of the year. The ensuing March to May rains, although not unusually heavy, were
sufficient to cause considerable flooding in some areas, because the soil still contained much
of the excess moisture from the October-January wet season and was, therefore, unable to
absorb this new supply. However, this flooding was short-lived-unlike that caused by the
swollen lakes, which persisted (on a limited area near the shores) until the end of the year.
The other extreme-drought-made its appearance during the year. The worst hit area
was that comprising Taita District and the inland parts of Kiiili and Kwale Districts. Here
only very scattered and light shou'ers were experienced from April through to early Novem-
ber. The April/May rains failed almost completely, and even the ensuing months were drier
than normal. Some heavier showers fell in this area during the second half of November
and again towards the end of December.
Another very dry area was Turkaua where, except during a three-week period in May,
very little rainfall was recorded throughout the year. lu order to give a more complete picture,
the weather experienced in each Province during the year will be examined in detail.
Northern
Firstly, in the Northern Province, January and February were generally hot, dry and
hazy, although Isiolo recorded a few showers at the beginning of January. Some heavy storms
occurred during the third week of March in all areas except the extreme north-east and north-
west. In April, too, there was fairly general rainfall in the Province, but Turkana remained
almost dry. During the first tlrree weeks of May, 'l'urkana and the north-east recorded some
heavy falls, but the south and south-east of the Province were very dry. Except for showers
in the Maralal area, the period from June to September was very dry. October brought a
slight increase in showers, but signiflcant falls were recorded only along the central part of
the Ethiopian border and around lsiolo. During November. average rainfall totals were
recorded in the south-east of the Province. and amounts varying between 50 per cent and
90 per cent of average in other areas. December was dry agarn in most areas, but Isiolo
recorded the unusually large total of eiglit inches. Moyale, in the north, also received some
useful showers.
Coast
In the Coast Province, January was drv north of Malindi, but in the south many rainfall
totals were well above average. February was reported as dry, with str<lng north-east winds,
although some showers fell in Taita District. During March, Lamu continued to be dry, but
there was good rainfall in other areas, with some heavy showers during the third week of
the month. April was unusually dry, with less than one inch of rain inland and large defici-
encies on the coast. CoasLal showers during May were almost up to average, but Taita and
the inland parts of Kilifi and Kwale Districts were extremely dry, recording only 10 to 20
per cent of the average rainfall for the month. Through June, July and August coastal showers
were only slightly below average, but very dry conditions persisted generally inland. On
20th August a severe thunderstorm, accompanied by torrential rain and hail, burst over Wesu
(Taita) and produced over flve inches of rain in a little more than an hour, but this storm
was relatively isolated, and thereafter very dry weather continued until the end of November,
although some scattered showers and thunderstorms developed over inland areas during the
second half of November. Showers and thunderstorms at the beginning and end of December
broke the drought in many parts of the Province.
Southern
In the Southern Province, January commenced with rain in all areas until about the l1th,
with some heavy falls in Narok District. Then generally dry conditions prevailed until the
second week of April, although there were some showers in the north towards the end of l
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March. Showers and thunderstorms occurred in all areas during the last three weeks of April.
although rainfall totals were below average in eastern Kajiado District. The rainfall during
May was very patchy, Narok, Kajiado and Machakos recording above-average amounts,
while Ngong and Kitui had large deficiencies. The seasonal dry weather of June was broken
by local storms in the Kajiado-Ngon,q-Narok area about the middle of the month. July,
August and September were dry, except for a few showers in the north. The "short rains"
began about 12th October and most places recorded good falls until the end of the month.
During November the rain in Machakos and Kajiado Districts was well below normal, but
up to average elsewhere. December commenced very dry, but some good showers during the
last week brought rainfall totals up to the average for the month.
Shower activity was above average during August. although Nanyuki and Meru Districts
remained comparatively dry. During September there were some showers on high ,eround,
but the plains were dry. The "short rains" started about l2th October, rainfall totals for the
month being mostly above average, although some deflciencies were noted around Mount
Kenya. The first half of November was dry. but fairly widespread rain fell later in the month.
December was also dry at flrst, but some heavy falls during the last week brought rainfall
totals almost up to average in most places.
Rift Yalley
In the Rift Valley Province, there were unusually widespread showers during the first
half of January, and rainfall totals for the month were from two to four times the normal
average. Seasonal dry weather prevailed from mid-January to mid-March, with showers
developing in all areas during the second half of March. Drier conditions returned again
during the first week of April, but from then trntil the end of June showers and thunderstorms
developed most afternoons and rainfall totals were generally close to average.
Showers decreased over the Rift Valley during July but were well up to average in
north-western areas. Rainfall during August was about average, except in Laikipia, where
deflciencies were noted. September brought frequent showers and thunderstorms to all areas;
with the normal seasonal decrease becoming evident during October, especially in Uasin
Gishu where the rains ended a little earlier than usual. Scattered afternoon showers continued
during November, but decreased still further durtng December to give average or slightly
below aYerage rainfall amounts.
Nyanza
In Nyanza Province, widespread showers and thunderstorms during the first half of
'January produced rainfall totals for the month which were about double the previous
averages. Very dry conditions prevailed from mid-January to mid-March, but from mid-
March until the end of October shorvers and thunderstorms developed most afternoons and
rainfall totals during this period were well up to average or slightly above. April brought
frequent thunderstorms to western arcas, with more scattered storms in the east. During May
several places recorded totals of about I 5 inches.
Rainfall during June, July and August was very close to average, but storms became
frequent and widespread during September and October and there were many reports of
hail damaging crops in the hilly areas. During November there was a marked decrease in
rain in southern areas, but storms continued in the north and some heavy falls occurred
during the last week of the month. Afternoon thunderstorms persisted in the east and north
during December and increased in intensity during the last week of the month; the seasonal
scattered showers were experienced in central and southern areas during the month.
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CHAPTER THREE
PROVINCIAL AND DISTRICT REPORTS
The following reports from District Commissioners in famine-afiected areas review the
work done on famine reiief during 1962:--
COAST PROVINCE
KwaIe
It is first necessary to refer to 1961, for in the hinterland of Kwale District the "long
rains" of 1961, which should have fallen in April, May and June failed and famine relief on
a limited scale began in July, 1961 .
Unseasonal rain began to fall in Juiy, i961, and during the month extensive plantings
took place to make good the loss of the "iong rains" crops, but only a small percentage of
these plantings were harvested, owing to waterlogging of the ground during the very heavy
rain of October and November, I 961.
Thus at the beginning of 1962 many farnilies had no food and others only a very small
reserve, much of which had to be kept for seed. [t was, however, possible at this time to cut
down relief to a much lower level.
All hopes now resled in the "long rains" of 7962 and these began well in March and
extensive plantin-es of maize were macle. These plantings grew well and flourished in the
well distributed rain of April, but May and June proved disastrous. From early May the rain
ceased and strong, dessicating south winds under a brilliant sun rapidly withered the well-
grown maize. By the end of June it became clear that once again the crop had failed through-
out the hinterland of the Waduruma.
The resulting situation was far more serious than anything which had gone before and
a complete re-appraisal was made of famine relief. The relief given in 1961 was done through
the chiefs at various distribution centres assisted by agricultural instructors, though supposed
to be limited to those rvithout any means of support, it had tended to be more liberal and
to be given to those who came out to work for it.
When it became obvious that the whole countryside was entering a second season of
famine, it was clear that the numbers involved would be inflnitely Elreater and far more careful
selection would be needed. From 17th to 20th July the District Commissioner held a baraza
in every Duruma location at which he stressed the following points:
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(a) That relief would only be given to those who could not otherwise support themselves.
All owners of stock, salary earners, etc.. would in no circumstances receive relief
for themselves or their families as they had the wherewithal with which to purchase
food.
(b) Able-bodied young persons should, as far as possible, resort to the traditional system
of working in the Digo areas for cassava and other foods.
(c) The number of food distribution centres was increased and at each a committee set
up to advise on who could earn relief.
(d) Strict orders were given for every male to comply with the A.D.C. byJaw against
famine and to prepare immediately half an acre of ridged land in which to plant
cassava.
An appeal for assistance from the Red Cross produced a Field Officer immediately in the
admirable person of Miss R. Faulkner, while at the same time Government authorized the
engagement of Mrs. Munro, a trained nllrse, to work for two months with the famine relief
team led by Mr. Colin Munro, the Community Development Officer.
At the end of August, Mr. T. Neil, C.M.G., Permanent Secretary to the Minister of State
for Constitutional Affairs and Administration, paid a two-day visit to the worst hit areas and
gave invaluable assistance to our many requests, including a grant of f2,000 for the purchase
of seed for those areas which had none left.
In mid-September, Miss S. Meadows, a Red Cross Field Officer, flown out from England,
replaced Miss R. Faulkner.
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By the end of November, Mr. Munro and Miss Meadows completed the issue of famine
relief cards at all distribution centres in place of the old lists and with their personal attend-
ance every effort was made to keep the numbers down to a minimum and to ensure that those
who could, sought their own food.
The very dry weather, apart from three days of rain in August, continued throughout
the rest of the year and water supplies in many parts of the hinterland have dried up and
the consequent shift of populations in search of water has increased the difficulties of relief
work.
The area has never been an easy one in which to carry out relief work for the following
reasons:
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(a) The size of the area, which is over 2,000 square miles, with a population widely spread
in scattered homesteads and not living in villages.
(D) The nature of this very primitive tribe who have no tradition of mutual help. The
unbelievable individual selfishness has shocked all those working amongst them.
It is by no means unusual for the male of the family to fill his stomach on relief
foods, particularly the dried milk, and to leave the children short.
(c) As a result of their inherent characteristics, it has been necessary the whole time to
battle against the attitude of the tribe that every one of them, including wealthy
owners, should be given free issues of food. In some areas this was fostered by petty
politicians, one of whom, together with two of his minions, were jailed for forcibly
taking over relicf distribution at one centre.
(d) A reluctance by certain chiefs and many headmen to incur any measure of unpopu-
larity by disclosing the wealth of their friends in terms of stock.
The position by the end of the first week of November was very serious, in that the
"short rains" had not yet broken and there was no possibility, therefore, of cutting down on
relief before late February, 1963. Indeed, when the rains do break in 1963, many hundreds
more who have been living away from their homes will return to cultivate and will have to
be fed.
There are many lessons to be learnt from this famine in Kwale, among which are the
following:
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(a) The undesirability of opening up large tracts of dry bush land by the installation of
bore-holes and dams in which to allow a primitive and backward people to disperse
as they will; the opening of new areas by the provision of water must be accom-
panied by both grazing and agricultural control.
(b) As reported by the Permanent Secretary, an all-out campaign must be made to
improve Waduruma basic agriculture. They must be persuaded to till and not scratch
the soil and to plant and maintain famine insurance crops such as cassava. Their
total reliance on maize planted in untilled soil can only lead to recurring famine in
such marginal areas. Very compelling measures will be needed.
(c) There is great wealth in the form of stock in the hands of perhaps 30 per cent of
the population, but since no social conscience exists, the wealthy have never in any
way at all helped the "have-nots". Those who do not own stock live in country
quite unsuitable for cultivation in the hope that through the marriage of a daughter
they will ultimately acquire stock.
To conclude, I would like to pay a very warm tribute to Mr. C. M. Munro, the Com-
munity Development Officer who has for many months carried the very heavy burden of
organizing and supervising relief work among a people who have shown no token of thanks.
Sincere tribute is also due to Mrs. Munro, Miss Faulkner and Miss Meadows for their very
hard work in unpleasant and difficult field conditions. The greatest tribute which I can pay
this team is to record that no deaths directly attributable to famine have been reported and
without their devoted efforts there would have been many hundreds.
The famine is not finished and has still to reach its absolute peak at the time of writing,
but it is confidently expectedthat by the combined efforts of many, including officers in
Central Government in Nairobi who have readily responded to our demands, the people will
be safely carried through. Finally, I should like to place on record that without the extensive
cultivation of cassava practised by the Wadigo, the burden of relief would have been many
times greater.
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Attached is a list of distribution flgures in Kwale :
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KWALE DISTRIBUTION CENTRES FOR FAMINE RELIEF
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Kilifi
Failure of the "long rains", foliowing previous flood and famine, led to famine condi-
tions in the coastal hinterland areas of Kilifi, comprising Vingeni, Ganze, Sokoke, part of
Kauma, and the whole of Bamba Location (i.e. the Northern Division), and less so in Mari-
akani and Kayafungo Locations of Southern Division. These latter areas, being richer, were
not on actual relief until November.
The initial issue of 300 bags of maize in the Northern Division in June had to be raised
to over 800, the numbers in need of food reaching between 2,500 and 3,000 in July and
rising considerably in November, after which, with some rainfall, it fell off to about the
2,500 mark again.
Recovery, since the "long rains" were a failure and the "short rains" extremely late,
has been moderate, and is by no means complete at the time of writing. It is also to be
remembered that sone hinterland areas such as Bamba are liable in normal times to suffer
partial crop failure, if not worse, in three out of five years. It has been most heartening, how-
ever, to see that dams made as famine relief works in past years have supplied water almost
without failure until just before the delayed "short rains" in late November/December, and
some carried water right through from the recent floods. Life would have been considerably
harder without these supplies, particularly for stock.
t2
It is interesting to note
also that stock, grazin-e on the remains of lush growth produced
by the floods, have remained in very good condition throughout, and although the lack of
normal "long rains" reduced the milk supplv considerably, the herds have not suffered.
Food issues have been made according to the recommended scale with supplements of
vitaminized edible oil, milk powder and dried meat products. There have been incessant
demands that the ration of 9 lb. weekly be increased to as much as 2l lb., but there is no
reason to think that the recommended scale is inadequate. The essential preliminary of work
on dams or roads has been widely accepted by all as reasonable in exchange for relief foods,
but there has been a strong tendency for women to take on more than their fair share of the
work, partly due to their traditional dam cleaning work before the "short rains". This has
the effect, however, of concentrating relief where it is most needed, among women and
children. Thin men have been a rare sight. Signs of malnutrition have only been noticeable
in any numbers in the Bamba and western Kayafungo areas, and the Health Department
reported. most signiflcantly, that of some 70 cases of under- or malnourished children seen
in Vitengeni, Ganze and Bamba, about three-quarters came from well-to-do families. The
Medical Officer has also commented on the tendency for people to lay the blame for deficiency
diseases and symptoms on witchcraft, belief in which is widespread.
Relief works have included the cleaning and enlargement of dams, repairs to dams
breached in the floods, improvement of roads and the planting of bulking plots for disease-
resistant cassava and dwarf sorghum. There has also been a small amount of work done on
repairs to temporary buildings in schools.
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The hinterland rainfall is too uncertain for regular good maize crops, and the "short
rains" are usually inadequate and too short for maize, in spite of which a lot was planted in
all areas in November, together with cow-peas and beans. Distribution of the very small
amount of available dwarf sorghum seed ( 16 bags) was reduced to allow for bulking plots at
locational centres, but those who received a pound or two have been well satisfied with its
germination and growth. At the time of writing it is beginning to come into ear, but the
extent of the crop cannot be assessed. As it should mature in eight weeks it is a very suitable
t "short rains" crop and it is to be hoped that if it grows successfully. the depredations of birds
will not discourage its cultivation in future.
A great many cassava cuttings have been planted in all areas, with the exception of some
parts on unsuitable soil. In addition bulking plots of disease-resistant cassava have been
established atGanze, Bamba and Sokoke, for future supplies of cuttings. and a lot more was
distributed for "short rains" planting in Vitengeni. There can never be sufficient "insurance"
plots of cassava, and there is always the inclination to ignore the future and use up all
available supplies in good times. There is a -eeneral shorta-ee of suitable maize seed and
supplies, for which funds have been obtained, are not available elsewhere, This is one problem
which does not lend itself to local solution.
Prospects of some harvest as a result of the very late "short rains" are moderate and
will allow some reduction of relief supplies from February, 1963, onwards. It is not yet
possible to say when relief can be withdrawn entirely, but it is likely to be required on some
scale until late July or August, 1963.
Malindi Subdistrict
The general situation on lst January, 1962. was that severe flooding of the Sabaki River
and torrential rains had inundated extensive cultivated areas in the flood plains, washed out
cultivations and isolated villages. Vast areas were still under water, roads impassable and
whole communities stranded. Lakes appeared where maize once grew and the two square
miles of Lake Jilore, which had not held water since 1935, was once again an impressive
sight. Many riverine shambas had been irreparably lost and the Sabaki Bridge had been
destroyed, thus cutting off the northern part of the subdistrict. Fortunately, the loss of life
had been negligible, but the people were faced with a serious food shortage and life would
have been insupportable without famine relief.
For the last three months of 1961 all relief supplies had been delivered by air drop and
on l3th January the Malindi "Floodops" Headquarters finally closed down, after three and a
half months of magniflcent effort by all concerned, when more than 1,000,000 lb. of food had
been safely delivered, thus preserving the lives of countless thousands of people in the affected
areas of Malindi, Tana River, Garissa and Lamu.
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Rncovrnv
The abatement of the flood waters in the Sabaki River Basin at the turn of the year
enabled a ferry to be operated for the flrst time since the bridge was destroyed in September,
and on l2th January, food convoys began to use it and the airdrops were discontinued.
There was then some slight improvement in the food situation as a poor maize crop
had been harvested and the remnants of the cash crops had been salvaged. By March, how-
ever, the situation was deteriorating as the meagre food stocks were rapidly becoming
exhausted and the people in the hinterland locations were again facing starvation, but there
was hope that the "long rains" would alleviate the situation.
By the end of May it was clear that the "long rains" had failed throughout the district
and serious famine conditions again prevailed and 12,000 people were receiving relief by the
end of June. However, unseasonal rains in June and July in all locations other than the back
blocks enabled the people to reap a fair maize harvest and the situation gradually improved.
Famine relief continued, but in a dimishing scale and supplies to three locations were
stopped. In all, some 4,350 people were then receiving relief and by the end of October
supplies to all but three locations had been stopped. Some 1,600 people continued to receive
relief.
The intermittent rains, although useless for food production, had brought on the cotton
crop in the Protectorate locations and an estimated 5,000 bales are expected. The cashew nut
and mango crops look very promising, so at least the cash crops are doing well, but, again,
food crops are in short supply.
In September, the Provincial Medical Officer carried out a survey of the nutritional state
of the people in five of the six locations in the northern part of the district, and reported that
although food was undoubtedly in short supply, it had obviously not reached the stage of
famine conditions and that there was no evidence of anything but mild nutritional deficiencies
such as might be seen anywhere else within the Coast Province.
Foop lssuEs
For the first three months of the floods, food could only be delivered by airdrop, but as
the water receded, the roads dried out and the ferry began to function supplies were delivered
by lorry to chief's centres, from where the food was distributed to the needy.
With the exception of a few destitute women, posho is only issued to men for them and
their families, and for a limited period to school children who were attending school, who are
expected to do four hours work a day on communal projects. Much useful work was done
and is still being done for the beneflt of the locations such as repairing breached dams, dig-
ging out silt, rebuilding school buildings and other public buildings damaged by the floods
and repairing roads.
In addition, flood damage funds provided by ALDEV provide employment for large
numbers of persons who also receive a small daily ration of posho from famine relief supplies.
Dnoucur Cnops
Cassava plots have been established under the direction of the Agriculture Department
at each locational centre and are all doing well. Once they are firmly established cuttings will
be distributed through the locational councils to any cultivator who applies. The plant is
popular and as the demand is considerable there should soon be widespread plantations
throughout the district.
Attempts are also being made to encourage the cultivators to grow millet which is not so
popular. but equally useful as a drought crop. Although the people have a natural predilection
for maize, these should be no valid reason why millet could not in time supersede maize as
a food crop, and thus transform the present precarious balance of the economy.,
Every effort should be made to popularize it, overcome the natural prejudice of the
people, both their eating habits and their farming methods, by experimentation with the
numerous kinds of millet and propaganda through the African district and locational councils.
If the crop could become the staple diet of the people of this district, and indeed the Coast,
it should be true to say that famine conditions would never again occur.
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Sm;erIoN lxo PnospBcrs AT ENo or Yeln
The general position improved throughout the year, although food crops were always
in short supply and it was not possible to discontinue famine relief altogether, although it was
gradually reduced from August onwards to a point where only three locations out of a total
of 11 were receiving relief.
On the other hand, the cash crops of cotton, cashew nuts and mangoes show great
promise and there will soon be plenty of money about in the locations of the cotton belt.
The cotton is now being harvested and therefore already the economic picture has changed.
Those locations producing cashew nuts and mangoes will be able to rcalize cash from
them, but for the others, which grow little in the way of cash crops, the picture is not so
bright.
The "short rains" failed in Kakoneni, Chakama, Madunguni and Dagamra Locations,
also throughout the Coastal Strip, with the result that 3,850 people were still receiving famine
relief posho at the end of December, 1962. In the above locations no crops have been
harvested since 1960.
There is no possibility of stopping relief food supplies in the near future and as stocks
were exhausted by the end of the year, it became necessary to draw fresh supplies.
Taita
GrNnnlr
The Taita District entered 1962 as it had left 196l with the rather incongruous sight of
famine relief being distributed on a large scale amid heavy rain-and ended the year in much
the same way.
In common with most of Kenya, Taita had experienced a failure of the 1961 "long
rains", followed by abnormally heavy rain during the last three to four months of 1961.
The drought had left a general shortage of food and the floods had made it difficult or impos-
sible to harvest anything by December. During January and February, 1962, many of the
people were dependent on relief food, and 2,900 bags of maize were distributed during
January and 2,000 in February.
By the end of February it was clear that the heavy "short rains" had resulted in an above-
average maize crop in the lower areas, a limited crop in the middle zones and a virtually
complete failure on the hill-tops, where the maize had been waterlogged. In sum, there was
enough harvest food available in the district by March to feed nearly everyone and the main
problem became one of distribution, as most people had little cash left in reserve with which
to buy food from their neighbours. lt was, therefore, possible during April-June to run down
the issue of relief food, restricting it to these people on the higher areas who had harvested
nothing. In July no maize was issued.
"LoNG RAINS"
However, by the middle of 1962 food was growing scarce again. The "long tains" had
started adequately, but then petered out abruptly at the end of April, and from lst May to
20th August the district received no rain at all. A promising bean crop withered rapidly and
gave a meagre yield. By July the hill dwellers were reduced to the rnaize they had been able
to buy, a few beans and such root crops as they had been able to plant in April. It was,
therefore, considered necessary to reopen maiz.e issues on a restricted scale to people in the
upper zones during August and these have had to be stepped-up from month to month
as food reserves have dwindled. By October the people in the lower zones had exhausted most
of the maize harvested in February and famine issues spread to all areas of the district, with
1,000 bags in October and 1,500 in November.
"SHoRT RAINS"
Meanwhile the failure of the "long rains" of 1962 (and even of the usual mid-year mist
precipitations) has been followed by a further blow, the delayed appearance of the "short
rains". After one thunderstorm on 20th August, there were only a few light showers during
September and October which were much too intermittent and badly distributed to establish
a crop. Maize was planted widely at the end of September, but except on the hill tops it is
stunted and much of it has withered. The continued dryness of the soil has also given little
scope for quick-growing crops such as beans with which to bridge the widening chasm of
hunger.
15
Srruarrou lNo Pnosprcrs AT ENo op Ynan
Thus the situation at the year's end was not a happy one. The shortage of food is at least
as widespread and acute as at the end of 1961, probably much more so, since the intervening
year has greatly reduced the people's reserves, not only of food, but of cash and livestock
with which to purchase food from elsewhere, and also, one should add, of bodily fltness to
withstand further hunger. During November, the prospect brightened considerably with the
arrival of heavy and fairly widespread rain. which provided excellent planting weather in the
eastern half of the district and almost adequate moisture in the western half. However, its
lateness is such that much of the crop has had to be replanted in the middle and lower zones,
so that the earliest it can expect to be harvested is the end of February. Therefore, large-scale
famine feeding will continue to be absolutely necessary until the beginnin-e of March, with
its peak in December and the possibility of some reduction thereafter if beans and root crops
can be harvested.
Fooo lssuEs
Throughout the year the principle has been followed of issuing only such amounts of
food as are necessary to avert actual starvertion. With the need for self-reliance in mind, there
has never been any intention of undertaking the feeding of the whole population, or even a
major proportion of it. Even in the peak months the famine food received has only been
sufficient to make regular issues to between 20-25 per cent of the whole population; in the
middle of the year only a small fraction was being fed.
In addition, every effort has been made to measure food requirements individually. As
in 1961, sub-locational committees of the location councils have been used to select those
most in need of food and their selections have been supervised by chiefs and officers. The
main rule has been that no family may receive food issues if it has livestock, a cash income
of any sort, a plot in an irrigation scheme, or any other means of feeding itself.
Of those to be fed, able-bodied adults seeking food for their families have been required
to participate in public works schemes but anyone unable to work by reason of age or
inflrmity has received a free issue.
I
Maize.-As each month's allocation has been received it is distributed between sub-
locations in accordance with estimates of need supplied by chiefs and correlated by the
District Commissioner. As each subchief received his allocation he calculated how many
people or families could be fed from it by weekly issues throughout the month. He then
filled his list from the names supplied by the sub-location committee, made provision for issues
to those unable to work, and arranged wolk for the remainder on some public project (usually
making new roads and tracks).
In addition, in peak months the A.D.C. took on temporary road gangs on its gazetted
roads and received an allocation of maize to issue in lieu of wages.
Milk.-Dried milk powder had been received in bulk at intervals and distributed mainly
to small children and also to expectant mothers, hospital patients and T.B. domicilary
patients. A tighter control on its distribution was achieved during 1962 to ensure that it was
all used on these categories.
A Health Visitor was posted to the district in May, and in the course of her clinics was
able to establish a network of milk clubs throughout the-district, through which over half the
total milk issues are now made. The balance was issued through the District Education Officer
to primary schools and through the Community Development Officer to nursery schools.
There was no doubt that milk issues did much to alleviate the effects of the food shortage,
especially among the small children.
Edible oil, ghee, nteat and drietl fish.-ln the early months allocations were distributed
through the road gangs,later throu-uh the Medical Department.
16
I
In the long run the risk of food shortages in years of drought can best be overcome by
general improvements in the farming practices of the district and for this reason funds haye
been sought under the Freeclom from Hunger Carnpaign to finance educational tours by
groups of Taita farmers to advanced agricultural districts.
Tana River
GENrR,lr SnueuoN oN I sr JnNueny, 1962
Famine relief continued and the morale remained high. Owing to the generous scale of
distribution, there was little possibility of hardship. Fish, honey and edible roots were in
abundance everywhere. The level of the water in the river fell and planting of bananas and
sugar cane increased. No bananas had been seen in the Galole Market for some months.
Some 600 bags of maize were brought from Nairobi by the 24th lnfantry Brigade Group
Company towards the end of January. Comforts were still being supplied to all the villages.
They were purchased from the Coast Province Relief Fund. The inhabitants of the district
greatly appreciated the help given by the Army, Navy and the Air Force in providing trans-
port for the supplies.
In Kinakomba and Gwano there were prospects of -eood rice crops, and banana planta-
tions were recovering, though little work was being done to improve them. Ndera had a small
surplus of maize for export, though Kinyadu claimed to be harder hit than the rest of the
location. This was partly because they were in sight of Bubesa which was still receiving
famine relief. Salama and Ngao Locations had adequate crops coming along, especially rice.
Here again they were neglecting their bananas. Chara Location was expecting the best rice
crop for some time. They were on relief until the end of June.
t7
Mid-year.-The Food Assessment Team visited the district on Thursday, 23rd August.
Itwas only possible for the members to visit Ndera and Ngao Locations. The District Com-
missioner managed to visit Salama Location by himself later.
The general impression obtained during the brief visits was that there were in fact no
cases of starvation or real hardship in any of the areas visited. What the people did not have
was the money with which to buy food from the local dukas which held sufficient stocks.
Chiefs were told to advise their people to look for work. Cotton pickers would shortly be
needed at the Tana Irrigation Scheme, they were advised.
However, it was felt that cases of hardship might happen here and there in the district,
particularly after September, when some of the food which was then available would run
out.
The District Commissioner, therefore, suggested, and the team agreed in principle, that
he should be issued with famine relief food to be kept in reserve for individual deserving
cases.
The UNICEF provided cement and material to help the A.D.C. in a programme to
provide water for the villagers. The local people provided free voluntary labour in various
villages where well programmes were carried out.
The long-term Ecumenical Works Campers, under the auspices of the Christian Council
of Kenya, came to the district towards the end of year to help Pokomo villagers in various
self-help projects. Their first programme was to construct a double classroom for the Garsen
Primary School which was needed badly. Local villagers turned out in large numbers to give
a helping hand.
The general situation was satisfactory. Conditions, of course, varied in different locations,
but the fact remained that there was no acute food shortage in the district. There was suffici-
ent food in the shops anywhere in the district, and no one needed to go hungry if he had the
cash.
The real problem, however, is shortage of money with which to buy food. Able-bodied
men have been advised to go and look for work, and some found jobs with the B.P. Shell-
particularly in the Kinakomba and Ndura areas. Others were told to clean their banana
shambas in order that the trees might produce more. This, however, did not solve the problem
for those elderly, and disabled persons unable to work and who had no near relatives to help
them.
Movement of maize from the district was strictly controlled. Very little maize was per-
mitted to go outside the district.
The river had not flooded and indications were that it might not do so again in the year.
This meant that people on the lower ground along the river would not be able to plant food
during the "short rains". They did not plant with the few showers which fell in November
because they feared that their crops might be destroyed by flood any moment.
Most people on the higher ground along the river planted maize and some food crops
and, if showers continued, it was hoped that some food would be harvested in about February,
1963. Otherwise the position was bound to get worse.
l8
SOUTHERI\ PROVINCE
Kaiiado
GBNrn.qr
Kajiado District, 8,000 square miles in area with a population of 66,000, is mainly dry,
with an average annual rainfall of 17-20 inches, except at Ngong and Loitokitok, which
normally have 30-40 inches. Agriculture is practised in these two areas, but the remainder of
the district supports cattle on which the Masai depend entirely for food and the other neces-
sities of life.
In the period 1959-61 rainfall was most irregular and the little pasture left in February,
1961, was destroyed by an infestation of "army worm", resulting in a steady increase in the
number of cattle deaths, until by the end of the year the Masai had lost 500,000 head of
cattle, or 5/7ths of their herds. Famine relief food was being widely distributed by October,
1961, when floods hit the district and fcr the last quarter of the year, distribution was effected
only with the help of the Services, especially the R.A.F.
The year 1962 started with another burst of rain which again disrupted communications
and saw the return of the Army helicopters and Beaver aircraft. Some 40,000 people were
receiving relief in one form or another. A dry period in February and March saw the end of
a virtual door-to-door system of distribution and the establishment of food centres. The issue
of maize meal was reduced from 36 lb. per adult per month to 20 lb. per person and the
amount of dried milk and vitamin oil was increased. Rain again was widespread in April and
May, but did not disrupt road communications. Unemployment relief schemes on repair work
were started and proved so popular that €4,000 granted for this purpose was exhausted by
August, when over l,000Masai men were employed. By this time the large sheets of surface
water which covered the district had begun to dry out. The Ngong area was off "relief" by
the end of July. In September a further reorganization of the system of food distribution
was completed with those Masai on full rations concentrated into 11 areas, as had been done
in the Il Kisongo Section in January. Some 16,500 were still on full famine relief with
another 3,000, whose depleted herds still awaited the calf crop, receiving milk powder.
Srerr
Early in the year the whole district staff was engaged on famine relief duties and was
assisted by Mr. R. Savory, of Southern Rhodesia, Mr. and Mrs. Marks and Mr. and Mrs.
Granger of the Portland Cement Company Quarry at Kibini Hill, and Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox
(Christian Council of Kenya) working at Bissel.
Mrs. W. Gunn and Miss J. Stephens, Red Cross workers, travelled vast distances distri-
buting drugs and vitamin pills. Mrs. Gunn left in May and Miss Stephens in September. Mr.
A. McNab, a student waiting to enter university. worked at the Mashuru feeding centre from
January to the end of July. Mrs. H. Meadows was employed till July as Executive Officer
(Famine Relief) for the Ngong area, including the Kekonyukie Section. Valuable assistance,
was received from the Magadi Soda Company in the Loodokilani area, from Mr. N. Watson
(C.C.K.) at Senya and from C.C.K. representatives in the Kisamis area of Kekonyukie.
Near Loitokitok, Mr. Norman ole Kepari organized and then managed, on quasi-military
lines but most humanely, a large "hunger boma" at Kimana. Mr. Josphat K. o1e Mperre
served for long hours as District Distribution Clerk at Kajiado.
RruannrratloN
Short Term.-f4,000 was received in May for unemployment relief measures which took
the form of sectional schemes involving repairs to water supplies (dams, furrows, etc.) and
roads. The Masai were fed and paid Sh. 1/50 a day and the work attracted well over 1,000
volunteers, resulting in the rapid exhaustion of the funds. A further f2,700 was obtained
from ALDEV in October and work restarted.
Encouragement has been given to stockless Masai to start gardens in suitable areas and
€400 has been spent on tools and subsidized seed.
Long Term.-As has been noted, the Kajiado Masai have lost 70 per cent of their stock
and it is known that 2,245 men now have herds of only 10 head and under, of whom 812
have none at all. Attempts were made without success to raise funds for the purchase of
heifers and this proposal has now been included in the application for f,220,000 made to the
Freedom from Hunger Committee to finance a three-year Masai rehabilitation and develop
ment plan. The present calf crop will ease the situation for those with stock, but unless these
Masai show a greater sense of tribal responsibility towards their less fortunate fellows some
10,000 Masai will need help for a further l2 months.
Meanwhile strenuous efforts are being made to awake the Masai people to the need of
a greater degree of self-help. These have not, so far, proved successful. An attempt by Kajiado
elders to extend the principle of clan help to the Masai of Narok who lost little stock in the
drought, met with a lukewarm reception and a vague promise that the richer pastoralists of
that district might consider subscribing some money to enabie the Kajiado Masai to buy
Narok heifers. Fundamentally, help from the more fortunate members of the tribe in both
districts will not materialize for as lon,q as they remain confldent that, in the last resort,
Government will not let anyone starve.
Narok
On lst January, the Narok District was under water as a result of exceptional "short
rains". Numbers of Masai, however, continued to feel the efl'ects of famine conditions imposed
by the severe droughts of the preceeding month which had resulted in the loss of stock and
impairment of calving.
Famine relief consisting of posho and dried milk with limited quantities of vitaminized
edible oil and meat powder was issued through distribution centres at Mosiro, Narasura,
Maji Moto, Niagara, Ildamat and Siabey to needy persons suffering from the result of famine
whose names were listed.
During the course of the year conditions worsened slightly, due to the fact that calving
did not start until September/October and whilst grazing and water improved and was
plentiful in the latter part of the year, the famine position was aggravated by lack of fresh
milk supply and by curtailing of stock marketin-e due to disease.
20
Those in receipt of famine relief were collected in bomas at distribution centres to
facilitate the control and distribution of relief supplies. During the middle months of the
year approximately 1,500 persons were in receipt of famine relief, the majority being children.
In September, conditions began to improve with plentiful grass and water and the com-
mencement of the calving season. It is anticipated that provided reasonable rain falls between
now and the end of the year conditions will have returned to normal, or verv nearly so, and
famine relief by the end of the year should have been reduced to a very small figure. It will
however probably be necessary to continue a very small distribution into the flrst quarter of
1963.
Machakm
GrNrnar SrrulrroN
ln January, 1962, the overall famine position in the Machakos District reached its worst
point. Maize issues were increasing steadily through the latter end of 1961 and reached their
peak in January, 1962,with an issue of over 52,000,200-lb. bags. Thereafter the position eased
somewhat until at the end of March, 1962" famine relief issues had virtually ceased.
Communications were still extremely bad owing to weather conditions, although with
the easing of the rains, opportunity was given and taken, of carryiug out road and bridge
repairs. In this connexion sterling work was carried out by the Army, notably the Royal
Army Service Corps, Royal Engineers and King's African Rifles, without whom supplies
could not have reached their destinations. By March and April it becarne apparent that con-
ditions were improving generally to such an extent that the services of the Army could be
dispensed with and the remaining transporting of foodstuffs and repair work could be under-
taken by the district's own resources.
1,100 chickens.
391 doz. eggs.
In addition to the foregoing, repeated requests were made by people in the high altitude
areas to be allowed to export maize to the Konza and Thika Maize Marketing Board agents.
Following on this, it became apparent that the district generally was on the upgrade
and still is with regard to food supplies.
In return, the able-bodied men were expected to assist where possible by road repairing,
etc.
2t
Acuvrrrns or VoruNre.Rv ORceNIzATIoNS
There were no special projects undertaken in this district by voluntary organizations,
apart from two Red Cross workers who assisted in pinpointing the more needy of the popu-
lation, and particularly children.
During the period from January to March a total of over 200 soup kitchens were
operating in the district feeding over 53,000 children, posho and milk powder issues to soup
kitchens were supplemented with meat powder, edible oil, dried fish and condensed milk, and
issues continued until April when, owing to the exceptional harvest, they were reduced to a
minimum. I
,l
Soup kitchens were organized and run by the Department of Community Development
under the direction of the Community Development Officer, Mr. G. A. Farrell.
CENTRAL PROYINCE
Kiambu
The greater part of the famine relief necessary during 1962 in the Kiambu District was
in the Karai Location of the Kikuyu Division and the Ndeiya Location of the Limuru
Division. From April onwards, a limited amount of famine relief rvas also necessary in the
higher parts of the Githunguri Division bordering on the forest areas.
Elsewhere in the Kikuyu and Limuru Divisions there was a very limited amount of
famine relief necessary in the Dagoretti. L,ari and Limuru Locations, but in these locations
it was on such a small scale that it is not really worth mentioning in this Report. The small
amounts of food necessary in these other locations of the Kikuyu and Limuru Divisions was
provided from the existing divisional allocations.
As already pointed out, the main problem was in the Karai and Ndeiya Locations. These
two areas are, even in good years, marginal for farming, and, if climatic conditions are any-
thing but favourable, then trouble can invariably be expected. Those who have land in these
two areas are for the most part settled on l2-acre plots, and they normally rely on the maize
harvest for their food supplies. Owing to the failure of the "long rains" in 1961 and the
excessively heavy "short rains" at the end of the year, the maize crop was virtually non-
existent in 1962, and the very heavy rains at the end of 1961 and at the beginning of 1962
virtually destroyed any subsidiary crops, such as beans and vegetables, which might otherwise
have been expected. These faclors caused an almost complete lack of crops in these two areas
throughout the year.
In addition to these purely agricultural factors, the position in these two locations was
seriously aggravated throughout the year by the large numbers of landless families still living
in Emergency villages in the area, for the simple reason that they have no other place to
which they can move. Some 1,100 of these families were placed on settlement schemes in the
second half of the year, but some 4,000 to 5,000 families still remain in these two locations
alone, and will continue to remain until such time as further settlement schemes become
available. In the past, the breadwinners of these landless families have been able to find
employment in Nairobi, Kiambu Settled Areas or on African pyrethrum farms in the Kiambu
District, but in 1962, owing to the declining economy and the difficulties of the pyrethrum
industry, these outlets were no longer available to the usual extent, and many of these land-
less families, as a result, were unemployed as well as landless. [n the absence of any un-
employment relief schemes, there was no alternative except to put them on famine relief.
In the Githunguri Division, the problem was a purely a-ericultural one. In the high areas
bordering on the forests, the planting season is normally in July and August, and again the
area is a marginal one for farming, even when climatic conditions are favourable. In 1962,
because of rain failure at one time, and rain excess at another, there was an almost complete
crop failure, and no food crops.are likely to be available in these areas until early next year.
Tnr Pnonrnlt
In the Kikuyu and Limuru Divisions, there were, at the beginning of the yeat,a total of
some 6,000 families receiving famine relief food. By May, 1962, this number had risen to
about 7,000 families. By June, there were approximately 7,000 adults and 25,000 children
on famine relief in these two divisions. From July onwards, the number slowly decreased as
vigorous pruning was <;arried out owing to the rapid decrease in the amount of famine relief
food available. By lst November. in these two divisions, there were about 2,000 to 3,000
families still in receipt of famine relief food.
22
In the Githunguri Division. famine relief started in April, and between then and Novem-
ber there were about 4,000 people receiving food from soup kitchens in the area; about 3,000
of the total were children.
23
l
)
Tur LrssoN LnenNrp
The most important and over-riding lesson is the need of avoiding at all costs a famine
relief complex. People who have been in receipt of free famine relief for many months very
easily get into a mood of lazy acceptance from which it is extremely difficult to extricate
them. It has, therefore, been vitally necessary at all times to prune the numbers of people on
famine relief every month, and to make absolutely certain that only those rvho really need
it get it. The drastic reduction in famine relief supplies towards the end of the year met with i
Fort Hall
Famine relief in Fort Hall District began in January, 1962, when the effect of the destruc-
tions of the crops in October/Novernber, 1961, was flrst felt.'Ihis was the time when the
farmers would, under normal circumstances, have expected to harvest the crops that were
destroyed.
The famine relief maize received was: --
158,740lb. in January
296,120 ,, ,, February
410,000 ,, ,, March
644,200 ,, ,, April
526,7t0 ,, ,, May
300,000 ,, ,, June
101,000 ,, ,, July
40,000 ,, ,, August.
A fairly clear pattern is revealed by these figures. The steady rise in famine relief from
January to March corresponds to the harvest season, which begins in January in the lower
areas, and continues as late as March in the higher areas where the crops take much longer
to mature. It was only as the crops came off the fields that the true extent of the flood damage
was realized. As each successive area added its story of poor crops to the catalogue of tragedy,
so the amount of famine relief rose. March, April and May represented the peak months
when every location in the district was suffering from a severe food shortage. which showed
itself in malnutrition. The very sharp fall in famine relief from June onwards again represents
the staggered harvest in those areas fortunate enough to enjoy an intermediate crop each
year. Those who had reaped in January u,ere beginning to reap again towards the end of
June and early July, and accordingly dropped off the famine relief roll. By August all areas
with two crops a year had harvested their first full crop after the floods, and the worst of the
problem was over.
There is, however, one further point of signilicance. There is a belt running adjacent to
the Aberdare forest boundary which is too high, too cold and too wet to enjoy more than
one crop a year. The people in these areas have not harvested anything since the floods ruined
their last annual crop. Nor will they harvest again unlil February and March in 1963. There
is a strong case for continued famine relief in these areas until they do reap a crop. The effect
of the floods on these areas has, however, shown itself in another way. A vast migration from
these areas has taken place, mainly to the Rift Valley, and a cursory drive through these
places will reveal the acute shortage of adult manpower which has been its result. This in
turn has had its effect in very little planting of food crops for their next full season. In conse-
quence the harvest next February and March will again be inadequate, should any dis-
illusioned wanderers return from the Rift Valley. The manpower is urgently needed to develop
a very high potential area, but food shortage has driven it away in search of work or areas t
with a quicker return. This belt, therefore, may not fully recover from the effects of 1961's
floods before 1964 or 1965.
24
The famine relief which has been received has been of inestimable value in staving off
disaster for the very small landowner and landless. The small farmer, through the loss of his
meagre subsistence crop, would certainly have starved but for the famine relief food he
received. Similarly, the landless were in dire straits as there was no surplus maize to be worked
for or begged from relatives. By and large, therefore, it was the viliage dweller who received
most assistance, whereas the larger landowner had other reserves on which to call, such as
for instance his coffee proceeds, the sale of wattle trees as kuni or building poles, or the out-
put of dairy cattle. The small man, however, had not the acreage to diversify his agriculture
sufficiently to withstand a tragedy in any one sphere, and he it was who was "kept" most by
the famine relief distributed.
Nyeri
GrNrn.tr
Taking the district as a whole, there was comparatively little need for famine relief in
1962. However, in the Lower Muhito Location. two subJocations of Gethi Location and one
sub-location of Gikondi Location, which are situated in the lowest areas of the district border-
ing on Fort Hall and Embu, there was a crop failure following on the unprecedented "short
rains".
ln February, it was decided to start three Special Settlement Schenes for landless persons
in the district in the Mount Kenya Forest Reserve. 'Ihe original intention was to settle 750
landless persons and to date just under 500 families have been settled. As all three schemes
were in the forest reserve and entailed the breaking of new land, it was decided that free
foodstuffs and planting materials would have to be issued to the settlers, most of whom were
to all intents and purposes penniless. It was intended that relief should be given until such
time as the settlers could produce a crop for themselves. It was hoped that it would be possible
to cease issuing in September/October. However, two of the schetnes have had continued
assistance recommended by the Agricultural and I\{edical Departments. This has become
necessary owing to late planting and game damage resulting in a nearly complete crop failure.
The third scheme has had excellent crops and little game damage arrd it was possible to cease
issuing foodstuffs in August.
Muolcnt
Throughout the period, investigations by both the Agricultural and Medical Departments
have been carried out, following requests for famine relief. The areas concerned have been
Rugiru Location, Aguthi Location and the upper part of Othaya Division. In each case, it
was considered that there was no justiflcation for the issue of famine relief to the population
in general. However, the investigations did reveal, particularly in Aguthi Location, a mainly
social problem of two groups, which can be described as the harrdicapped and deprived. The
former were found to be in reasonable health and showed little evidence of malnutrition, but
had been put forward by the local populace as in need of assistance which was not forth-
coming from the community. The deprived group were in rather more serious condition and
were in general landless with no near relations capable of providing support. However,
although it was necessary during August to issue relief to a very restricted number of persons
in this sroup, at no time did general famine conditions prevail.
I would like to quote from a report made by the Medical Officer of Health on this
subject:
-
have no doubt that if one looks hard enough and long enou-9h, hundreds of
"I
people in this condition would be found in the district. It is unnecessary to study the
social and economic reasons for this siate of affairs, but it is important that Government
should realize that such a state exists and should make a {irm statement who is respon-
sible for the care of these people. It would appear to me that responsibility should be
borne by the local people, e.g. the locational council and not the Central Government.
But no matter who should bear the burden it is a matter of urgency that something should
be done and that the junior echelons of the Provincial Administration should know their
responsibility in this context and be no longer harassed by politicians whose party is a
constituent part of the Government."
25
AcRrcurrunr
With the exception of the lower parts of South Tetu Division, crops have been reason-
able and there has been no need for famine relief. The district is fortunate in having a wide
variety of cash crops, bringing money to the farmer, which has enabled large numbers of
people to purchase food when their own reserves became exhausted. Without these cash crops
there might well have been a need to extend the area in which famine relief was supplied.
The introduction of the Special Settlement Schemes and schemes in the Scheduled Areas
will in preventing famine conditions in the future, but it is felt that the lower parts of
assist
South Tetu Division will always lead a precarious existence until the standard of agriculture
is raised and cash crops are introduced on a larger scale. With this end in view, the Agricul-
tural Department have introduced pineapples into the area and a start has been made on a
sisal nursery with a view 1o popularizing this crop. Unfortunately, during the floods of 1961,
the rice flelds in the area were completely destroyed and the scheme has had to be written
off.
The year 1962 has been satisfactory for rainfall and crops have been good. It was found
possible progressively to reduce issues until by the end of August there was no general issue.
The East Pokot Locations were first deleted, because it was suspected that maize was being
used to make beer. Of course, being pastoralists this was no great hardship, since grass became
plentiful. Next to be "axed" were the South Baringo areas, which had been getting a small
issue. This happened in June, by which time most of the district had begun to recover. So
much so that some of the leading personalities in the district said privately that the Tugen had
never had it so good.
A District Officer then conducted a short inquiry into the need for further relief and
recommended that famine relief be halved in July and halved again in August, after which
month general issues ceased. This was naturally unpopular, but a small stock of maize was
kept for issue on an individual basis to people in need.
January r,730
February 1,680
March I,680
April 1,670
May 1,520
June 1,195
July 640
August 360
Those able-bodied people who received assistance were required to work on community
projects which included the repair of minor roads and tracks damaged in floods and rehabili-
tation of eroded areas. The work was not arduous and, therefore, not unpopular. Certainly
a lot of repair work was accomplished and some new tracks were cut.
Dnoucnr Cnops
Despite intensive propaganda cassava planting is still unpopular. Increased planting
on the hills has taken place, but in the lower areas none has been done. However, in a mainly
pastoral area like Baringo small stock may well be the equivalent of drought crops. They can
be eaten or sold for food. In recent months there has been a noticeable increase in small stock.
26
Y.s.&
Turkana child, suffering from months of short Turkana children, near Lake Rudolf, drinking their
rations, receiving an issue of milk milk issue
5 i;:'f,*ffi
,;:l ,l
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Turkana making nets by the shores
of Lake Rudorf. Fishing is a new industry on
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A view of the new Mariakani dried mirk prant, erected with funds from UNICEF
Recovery of drought-stricken land in Machakos was rapid during 1962. Here is a fine
stand of wheat
Banana trees were destroyed in large numbers when the Tana River flooded in 1961,
but new trees were brought from Tanganyika and are now welt estabtished
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This new bridge was opened in 1962 over the Nzoia River in Nyanza, to replace the
one washed away by the floods
While the damaged bridge over the Tana at Garissa is being repaired, a pontoon ferry
built by the Royal Engineers copes with light traffic
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Recovery of barren land was remarkable throughout most of Southern Province during
1962. Pictures (above and below) show healthy stock in Wakamba and Masai pastures
'iu:{
1."::1'
Young Masai near Loitokitok uses
a panga to dig up soil that has
never before been cultivated
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......GIVE US THIS DAY OUR
DAILY BREAD"
children in orphanage
-African
Pnosprcrs AT THE Yren ENo
The food crop situation above 5,000 feet is about average, except east of Molo River
where it is below, due, largely to idle people who planted too late. On the hills food may or
may not last till May/June, or a month or two either way. Probably maize in Londiani-
l
I
I
Lembu-Naivasha is good, which means a lot of it will fllter into Baringo.
GnNEn^r.r
I Tlre need for famine relief declined during 1962.'Ihere were undeniable signs that a
goodly number of people were assuminq a "pauper mentality" and becoming improvident
i either by failing to plant at all or planting too late. Possibiy chiefs and elders became infected
too, and were not as selective as might have been desirable in choosing the needy. Should the
unfortunate necessity for famine relief recur, I feel attention would need to be given to the
following points:
-
(a) Stricter investigation into the background of the "needy".
(b) Stricter check on transport of foodstulls and, indeed, on general storekeeping aspect.
(c) Better storage facilities for foodstuffs" some of which deteriorated because it was
stored too long.
The "poor will always be with us" and in any rural area these are always present and
need assistance. Ceritral Government's "Relief of Dislress" Vote does not always penetrate
into the field and I see no reason why local authorities could not set aside money annually
to cope with this problem.
I
NYANZA PROVINCE
Kericho
The only part of Kericho District which has been the subject of famine relief is that of
the lower areas of Bomet Division, in the south of the district. As a result of the very pro-
longed drought and complete failure of crops and the shortage of grazing up to August, 1961,
followed by torrential rains which waterlogged the group so that crops could not be planted,
all surplus food stocks had been exhausted by the end of 1961 and in the middle of January,
1962, famine relief had to be given to some 2,000 old men, women and children at the rate
of ] lb. of maize per day.
The rains in the affected area eased off in February, sufficiently to permit the planting
of crops, and continued very satisfactorily with the result that bean crops harvested in June
and July and latterly maize crops, have been the heaviest for very many years. Grazing also
has been excellent. In fact, the situation improved in such a spectacular manner that it was
possible to withdraw all issues of free ntaize at the end of June. During the first six months
t of the year a total of just over 10,000 bags of maize had been issued free as famine relief.
Famine relief consisted solely of the issue of maize, and this was undertaken through
the local authority. Chiefs, in consultation with local elders, selected those whom they con-
t sidered to be eligible for famine relief and this was checked by the Divisional District Officer
I who was responsible for issuing quotas of maize to each location.
I As famine relief was only issued to old men, women and children, it was not possible
to introduce any relief work projects.
The Agricultural Department have used their experimental centre at Kabosson, in the
centre of the affected area, to produce planting materials of such famine crops as sweet
potatoes and cassava, which have been issued free to farmers who have wanted them. The
Department has also made available, and encouraged the planting of, early pearl and Taboran
maize.
Certain substantial donations were made by tea companies and other leading commer-
cial concerns in the district to the Central Famine Relief Fund. In addition, the Kipsigis
African District Council launched its own appeal, which realized the sum of Sh. 1I,587 114.
The Mrssions, too, co-operated very closely with the Administration in their activities.
In November, 1962, Mr. Betts, of the Oxford Committee, visited the area, and recom-
mended to his principals that the suin of f,3,000 be made available in equal instalments over
a period of three years to improve water supplies by way of dams in the aliected areas.
There is now no shortage of food anywhere in the district and the land in the affected
I
areas isin better heart than it has been for a very long time. The current "short rains" have
been satisfactory and, provided the next "long rains" are equallv satisfactory, there should
I be no reason for the issue of more famine relief food.
I
i
27
t
Central Nyanza
Unlike many other parts of Kenya, floods in Central Nyanza did not occur until the end
of November. Then, in a single night, Sunday, l6th November, an average of three inches
of rain fell over the greater part of the Nyando and Nzoia River catchment areas. This, added
to an already saturated countryside, resulted in the rivers rising to unprecedented levels and
the inundation of hundreds of square miles of flat alluvial plain lying in the Bunyala and
Busonga Locations at the mouth of the Nzoia River, and the West and East Kano Locations
at the mouth of the Nyando.
The people of Bunyala and Busonga were better equipped to deal with this emergency
themselves, for not only are they used to periodical flash floods, but they are also based {
largely on a fishing economy and boats are plentiful.
On the Kano Plains on the other hand, the problern, once away from the fishing boats
on the coastline, was acute. The people are not water minded and the difflculty was to get
at them in the flooded ten-mile belt that lay between the main Nairobi road and the lake.
The road itself was soon out of commission, but not before boats had been pushed through
to Ahero on the Nyando River. Fronr the open lake a flotilla of assorted craft raised in
Kisumu-tugs, boats and whalers. penetrated the dense papyrus swamps which fringe the
coast, carrying food supplies and helping to rescue stranded families. With normal com-
munications completely disrupted, the use of Army helicopters was invaluable.
Though material losses in both the major flooded areas was great, particularly the loss
of standing crops and grain customarily stored in granaries at ground level, it is remarkable
how small was the loss of life reported. Apart from the cleaths of two children who were
drowned, there was only the case one old man said to have fallen in when returning from a
beer hall. Very few head of cattle were lost-the majority had been moved to traditional wet
season grounds in East Kano prior to the deluge-but numerous sheep and goats were swept
away. In Bunyala/Buson-ea little stock exists.
I
It was the end of the year before the floods showed any signs of receding and the district I
could think about drying out. Despite drought conditions earlier in the year, the total rainfall l
for 1961 was 50 per cent above normal. The lake ievel rose by nearly four feet which resulted i
in semi-permanent flooding of much valuable lake shore arable. Moreover the rain did not t
cease until mid-January and set in again in mid-March, seriously curtailing the evaporation
season so that only a ne-eligible decrease in the level of the lake resulted. 1
The new rainy season soon proved to be above average, some ten inches above normal, I
and early in May both the Nyando and the Nzoia flooded afresh damaging growing crops, I
but fortunately subsiding after a few days. Only one life was reported lost, a woman in
i
Bunyala. A more serious effect of the heavy rain has been the continuing rise in the level of
the lake, now some six feet above its mean average level and there seems no prospect of an
I
early fall. The Chief Hydraulic Engineer reports that even had the Owen Falls Dam not
existed, the lake level would only have been some three inches lorver than it actually is. The 1
dam sluices are controlled by international agreement, but even if they were opened to
I
I
capacity no significant fall in the lake level could be expected.
I
The immediate problems arising from the inundations were dealt with expeditiously by i
the combined efforts of officers drawn from all departments and from certain voluntary bodies. I
Temporary reception areas were stafled, food supplied, medical services provided and every-
thing possible done to lessen the impact of shock on those affected. Based on medical advice I
the staple issue to those in need is restricted to maizemeal, as ample supplies of flsh exist
within easy reach. Quantities of other supplementary foodstuffs such as dried meat and milk
have been made available throngh hospitals and dispensaries for the use of patients who are
admitted suffering from nutritional deliciencies. The number of those receiving maizemeal I
has risen in May to over 32,000, the able-bodied men performing a daily task in drainage or
protection works in their own area in return. By the end of April, 15,000 bags of maizemeal
had been issued, all in the east of the district. No famine conditions exist in Bunyala/Busonga,
but subsidized maizemeal has been provided to help combat a thriving black market. Free
I
or subsidized seed has been issued as required. Regular medical inspections continue.
A conscientious effort has been made to keep the political leaders concerned fully
informed, notably the Hon. Oginga Odinga and Peter Okondo, as two interested indigenous
bodies in the areas. A number of complaints have been received, many found to be spurious
and it is gratifying that genuine complaints have been few and far between and an amicable
working arrangement between the officers concerned and the people has been established.
28
In the long term the problems are twofold-to control the rivers responsible for the
flooding and to provide for those families who are likely to be deprived of their land for an
extended period by the inundations from the lake.
The bulk of these funds will be utilized for the payment of hand labour which in turn will
help to relieve local unemployment.
(c) Kibos.-Protection in this area is probably the most complex problem involved. Some
funds are expected to be provided shortly for initial measures, but full control is
likely to be very expensive and funds are not in sight.
kl) Miriu.-It is possible that a short bund would give substantial protection to the
Sangu peninsula in Nyakach, but a survey would be required, and no funds have
yet been sought.
N.B.-(l) The National Disaster Fund, under the supervision of the Ministry of Agricul-
ture, has provided the means to undertake the work mentioned under subparagraphs (a), (b)
and (c) above.
(2) The Alexander Gibb Report mentioned a figure of f180,000 as being needed for
full flood control on the Kano Plains.
The number of families displaced from their homes by the lake shore flooding is approxi-
mately a thousand. To begin with many of them were accommodated under emergency con-
ditions in schools and other buildings. At present some have been able to build afresh on
higher clan land, many are accommodated under not very satisfactory conditions with rela-
tives, but some have not the resources to rebuild and come of clans so impoverished by the
recent calamity as not to be able to obtain family assistance. A start has been made with
funds provided by the Disaster Relicf Committee (Chairman, Mr. Goodbody) in providing
alternative accommodation to help relieve the worst of this distress in the grounds of schools
situated around the perimeter of the flooded area.
The majority of the families in question are based on a lakeside fishing economy and
many would be reluctant to move far from what is the mainstay of their lives. However, some
will need to be resettled elsewhere, and a preliminary investigation is being undertaken with
the object of providing a settlement scheme for say, 250 families. The ideal would be to have
them established before the "short rains", 1962, but, if a scheme is agreed to, it seems more
likely that they will be in position by "long rains", 1963.
In conclusion, the immediate difficulties have been dealt with--unless heavy rain recurs
the problems are those more of the long term. Famine relief will be required at the
-and
best for some months yet. in addition to the more permanent measures referred to above.
29
Following a short spell of rain in late August, a small amount of planting was carried
out in the northern part of the Kanos and down the Nyando River, and this very small crop
is now coming off as green food. The Luo have never planted a "short rains" crop in the
Kanos due to the lack of rain at this time and it was fortuitous on this occasion as the "short
rains" failed, and most of what was planted dried up. A small acreage of rice (approximately
600 acres) was planted in the Kano area, and although useful, was nothing like enough.
Cotton was fairly extensively planted during the year and should yield some cash to those
who have made the eftort.
Fooo Issuns
The issue of free American maizemeal began in Central Nyanza in January and the
following system has been used. A team consisting of Agricultural Officers and Administra-
tion Officers visits each sub-location in turn and lists those in need in three categories:
(a) Women, children and old folk.
-
(b) Able-bodied men.
(c) Pregnant women.
The people then elect their own committee of elders who will distribute the food. Food is then
delivered to the committee who keep a muster roll and who distribute it on the following
scale :-
Category
(a) Women 7 tb.
Children 4lb.
Old men and women 7 tb.
(D) Men 10Ib.
(Provided they have completed four days' work in the week.)
(c) Pregnant women r0lb.
This system appears to work satisfactorily and very few genuine complaints have arisen.
{
It was discovered, however, that a number of wealthy and influential people had managed
i
to get on the books. The greatest advantage of such a system is that it puts the onus on the
l
elders to ensure that only those in real need get assistance.
A survey was carried out by the team approximately every month and either an increase
or a decrease was recommended. In addition a number of medical surveys were carried out
to determine the level of malnutrition in various areas. During August, Dr. Haupt visited the
district and carried out a complete survey of East Kano Location, as a result of which he
recommended cutting out all free issues of maize except in the still-flooded areas along the
Nyando River. In addition, surveys were made in West Kano and with the exception of the
flooded lake shore areas, each sub-location was reduced in its quota. The flgures below show
the relative population fed during each month:
- 20,000
January
February ... 23,000
March 26,000
April 32,000
May 34,000
June 38,000
July 38,000
August 18,000
September 18,000
October 18,000
November 18,000
December 18,000
A fresh survey is at present taking place in the Kano area to assess possible future needs,
in view of the failure of the majority of people to realize either a "long" or "short rains" crop.
This survey will probably result in further increases in free food distribution. It is unlikely
that the people in the Kanos will reap a reasonable harvest until July or August, 1963. On
the bright side, however, is the fact that extensive cultivation is now taking place throughout
the area and it appears that a great effort is being made to overcome past failures.
30
i Rrrmr Wonr Pnolncts
The following projects financed from funds issued by the National Disaster Committee
i
are in hand:-
Bunding ol Rivers
(i) Nyando River.-Some two and a half rniles of bunding has been done above Ahero
on the right bank and it is intended to continue the bunding to the south. Hand
labour is employed throughout.
(ii) Nzoia.-A similar scheme based on hand labour is under progress in Bunyala
Location.
Kibos:
Funds exist for the cutting of a channel through the swamps which at present
(a)
impede this river's course, but labour gangs will not be sent in until the com-
pletion of a survey by Hydraulic Branch of the Ministry of Works.
(b) Road Repairs.-Thirty-six road gangs are operating throughout the district on
those minor and secondary roads which suffered most from floods.
k\ Dam Repairs.-Owing to technical problems, repairs to dams damaged by the
floods are being carried out largely by mechanical means but a certain amount
of hand labour is employed.
(d) Goye Causeway.-Work is in progress in building this causeway to link the
isolated northern part of Yimbo Location with the main location.
k) Bunyala Platforms.-This is in the nature of an experiment to show the Bunyala
people the advantages of building plaiform houses on stilts which would be
relatively immune to any sudden rise in the lake level.
South Nyanza
The heavy rains from mid-October onwards severely damaged the "short rains" food
crops, which were expected to off-set the losses from the earlier drought. But over most of
South Nyanza there appeared to be sufficient food for the population, and the sales of cotton,
groundnuts and coffee had been some of the highest ever recorded for the district.
At the end of the year, however, the level of Lake Victoria rose suddenly, flooding the
lowJying areas of land along the shore. The inhabitants of some of these areas lost all or
most of their standing crops, and some of the food already in store. The District Commissioner
toured some of these areas with Mr. S. Ayodo, M.L.C., and it was decided to apply for famine
relief maize on a limited scale for these low-lying lake-shore areas.
After further investigation by the District Commissioner and District Agricultural Officer,
it was decided to issue maize to those inhabitants who had been flooded out of certain of the
low-lying areas along the lake. These areas were:
East Karachuonyo-Miriu Peni nsula.
-
Kasigunga.
Mfangano and Rusinga Islands.
Kaksingri.
West Konyango-Kuja River Delta area.
3l
In these areas a Famine Relief Committee was formed under the local chief, with the
subchiefs and A.D.C. and locational council members from the area concerned, one or two
local "worthies", and a KANU representative, as members. This committee drew up a list
of needy persons and distributed the maiz,e weekly under the orders of the Divisional District
Officer. The relief maize was sent from Kisumu through the Maize Marketing Board and was
sent on to the relief areas weekly by lorry or the District Commissioner's launch. On several
occasions the East African Railways and Harbours Administration went to considerable
trouble to send the monthly supply of maize from Kisumu to Homa Bay by special steamer.
The distribution was made against a roll of families requiring rnaize, and the adult male
members of these families were required to work for 20 hours each week on some local
development project in return for free 'naize. A number of school houses were repaired by
famine relief gangs, which also worked on local roads and in the chief's camps. The ration
was at first 10 lb. per week per adult and 7llb. per week per child, but this was later reduced
and 5 Ib. per person per week issued as a ration to supplement the food which was still
available.
By the middle of May many of the inhabitants from the flooded areas had moved to
higher ground where they had opened new shanrbas. Issues of maize to the relief areas were,
therefore, reduced in June, and after further reductions were stopped completely in all areas
but one, in August, when the new crops were ready for harvesting.
After July, maize was issued to oniy one of the areas originally involved. West Konyango,
where about 40 families had been unable to find adequate land on higher ground. Plans are
now being made to offer these families settlement plots in the Lambwe Valley, and it is hoped
that those families who agree to move will be supplied with famine relief until they reap
their first food crops in the settlement area. Similar olTers of settlement plots are bein-e made
to families from East Karachuonyo. The Divisional D.O.s and A.A.O.s have recently taken
a party of these people to see the Lambwe Valley and are now awaiting their decision.
Maize was also issued after July to a very small part of Kanyada Location, where the
new crops had been ruined by flooding from the Rangwena River.
The issue of famine relief in South Nyanza was restricted to a few areas along the lake
shore, and the supply of maize made it possible to assist those families who had insufficient
food to last them untii their next crops could be harvested in July, 1962. Except in West
Konyango and Kanyada, where about 100 farnilies are involved, famine relief is no longer
required.
During March, April and May 10,000 men, women and children were receiving famine
relief. During June and July the number dropped to 6,000 and in August to 1,500.
NORTHERN PROVINCE
Turkana
Give a man a fish-and you feed him for one day only.
Teach a man to fish-and you feed him for life.
(Old Chinese proverbl
THs Pnosrrlvt
The problem of famine relief in Turkaua District continued inLo 1962 with even greater
intensity, for the heavy rains of the latter part of 1961 took toil of stock already exhausted
by the long years of drought, so that many families lost their few remaining animals, whilst
richer people had their herds further decimated to such att extent that they were only able
32
to support their immediate kin and were forced to turn away other relatives and clan mem-
bers who looked to them for help. Again, the phenomenal rains aggravated the famine situa-
tion by delaying the ripening of the wild fruits which most Turkana paupers rely upon to
eke out their existence. Thus, as the year started, many more Turkana, particularly from the
l
rI
plains around Lodwar, turned to the famine relief organization for help and the Lodwar
Camp in particular was hard pressed to cope with the stream of applicants for admission,
some of whom were in the last sta-ees of malnutrition. Large numbers of these new applicants
were unmarried women and their children, who by custom would normally have been looked
after by their fathers, but who had to seek other help as their fathers were pauperized by the
natural disasters of 1960 161.
In addition, numbers of destitute Turkana were repatriated from the Karamoja District
of Uganda and had to be absorbed into the carnps. Thus from a population of about 5,000
at the turn of the year, the famine camps were feeding 10,800 people by the end of April.
With such a dramatic rise in numbers and with so manv serious cases presenting themselves
daily for admission, especially at the Lodwar Camp, it was inevitable that a number of
scroungers and persons with stock or with relatives who had some stock remaining, were
admitted, and so from May onwards an operation was organized to weed out those people
who should rightly have been able to look after themselves or be looked after by their families.
I
Unfortunately it is one thing to find that a person has relatives who can look after him
and another entirely to persuade those relatives to accept the responsibility. This, combined
with the size of Turkana District and the spread of its population, meant that some of those
weeded out were never reabsorbed into their sections and has resulted in their trickling back
to the famine camps for readmission. This trickle has been reinforced by other people who
have eaten the few stock remaining to them at the turn of the year, so that at the time of
l writing the numbers in the famine camps have crept back to 6,800. Before being admitted
these new inmates are medically examined and where possible interviewed by their chiefs.
t F.e.urNB Caups
Very early on in the organization of famine relief in Turkana it was realized that due to
I the vast distances and poor communications of the district, it would be necessary to concen-
trate those receiving food into camps and so the present system of "famine camps" came
about. Each camp is supervised by a team from a church or mission body and has clerical
and warder staff paid for by the famine relief organization. The example of the Lodwar
Camp makes it very apparent that if the camps are to be properly managed. then the popula-
tion of each has to be kept to a minimum and it is now the policy not to allow the numbers
in any camp to exceed 2,500 persons.
Maize, milk powder, meat powder, fresh and dried flsh, and to a lesser extent a bewilder-
ing variety of proprietary foods, tonics and tablets have all found their way to the camps,
where it is astonishing to see how quickly the new inmates regain their health. All the food,
except fish, has to be transported into the district from Kitale or Nakuru and the district's
four leading traders share the huge transport contract
During the year there have been the follorving camps:
-
Lodwar, Logogo and Lorogurnu Camps.-The Lodwar Camp dealt mostly with refugees
from the hardest hit central plain area of the district, though many people from the west and
north-west areas of the district were also admitted. It was supervised by missionary fathers
from the Catholic Order of St. Patrick, who u,ith the District OfEcer, Lodwar. bore the brunt
of the famine relief explosion at the start of the year. At one time they were looking after
nearly 6,000 persons. In May they were joined by two Sislers from the Order of the Medical
Missionaries of Mary. The sisters are qualilied nurses and they looked after the health of the
camp.
33
In April an overspill camp for Lodwar was opened at Lorogumu and in July, after the
"weeding operation" was completed, those remaining at Lodwar were moved to a new camp
at Logogo, two miles from Lorugumu. Both these camps are supervised by the Catholic
fathers from a base at Lorugumu.
The Lodwar Camp is now closed and the only people receiving relief in Lodwar are a
handful of the stronger men and their families working on communal projects in return for
their food.
I
I
1
Thanks to a grant from the National Food Relief Committee it has been possible to I
I
instal wells, water pumps and maize grinding machines at both Lorugumu and Logogo
Camps.
Ferguson's Gul/.-This is a paupers' camp of long standing and was expanded to meet
the needs of the people living along the shores of Lake Rudolf and in the east of the central
plain. In January, Mr. L. E. Whitehoue, a former District Commissioner, Turkana, helped
to organize the expansion, since when a team of Christian Council of Kenya workers from
Central Province have been in charge, with admirable results.
This camp is well situated on the shore of Ferguson's Gulf on Lake Rudolf and receives
large daily supplies of fresh flsh from the camp seine net and from gill nets operated under
the direction of a fisheries officer doing experimental work at the Gulf. This officer has also
taught many of the camp inmates, male and female, how to make gill nets with twine supplied
by the National Food Relief Committee. Some of the fish caught by these and other lakeside
dwellers is being dried and bought with Relief Committee funds for distribution to other
famine camps. The Committee has allocated f200 per month for the purpose and this guaran-
teed market is doing a lot to encourage the young flshing industry at Ferguson's Gulf in
getting started. Subsequent development and new markets are under discussion.
Kalin Camp.-The nucleus of this camp came from the paupers' camp made up of
survivors from past Merille massacres, and was situated rrear Todenyang. Kalin Camp also
expanded rapidly to care for the people of the Lokitaung subdistrict and when it was neces-
sary to call for outside help a team from the Friends Mission was sent by the Christian
Council of Kenya. The personnel of this team come mainly from Nyanza Province and, in
common with all supervisory teams, have done incredibly well.
During the Easter school holidays, the Friends team was relieved by a master and boys
from Kamusinga High School, who gave up their holidays and started an experimental
agricultural plot and got regular classes goirrg for the camp children.
Lokori.-South of the Turkwell Rrver, famine relief has not been carried out on anything
like the same scale as in the centre and the north. People from the south have found their
way into the Central Turkana famine camps, but not many.
It seems that the Kerio River, which is more permanent than the Turkwell, and the fact
that the higher and more prosperous settled areas were at hand. contributed to the relief of
much of the population of the south. The emigrants who joined friends and relatives in the
settled areas have not been welcome visitors. They have created problems for farmers, the
police and the Administration. The overcrowding, unemployment and lack of food have
pushed many into crime. The number of Turkana accused in the courts during the past two
years has increased considerably. However, there has been a small famine camp at Lokori,
near Kangetet, on the River Kerio which has catered for between 200 to 500 people. This has
been run by the African Inland Mission. Their services in the absence of sufficient Government
stafi have been invaluable.
34
stock to them in return for a modest day's labour, and the National Food Relief Committee
has given €3,500 to start such a scheme, with the promise of a further f6,500 if the first results
are promising. Some stock has already been bought and distributed and it is hoped the scheme
will gather momentum when the season of census and registration is over. Another scheme
which is helping to rehabilitate some of the camps' inmates, is the expansion of the fishing
industry at Ferguson's Gulf made possible, again, by funds from the National Food Relief
Committee.
The longterrn answer to the Turkana problem does not lie in short-term relief projects,
or in continued famine relief distribution, but in the education of the people in their absorp
tion into employment outside their own district, or in the initiation of long-term measures for
agricultural rehabilitation.
The latter remedy has been looked at recently by senior agricultural experts of the
Ministry of Agriculture and in their report they have emphasized that there is no easy solution
to the Turkana problem in this direction. They refer to the gross over-population of the
district which is of long standing and in particular have drawn attention to the need for
irrigation and agricultural surveys of the Turkrvell and Kerio Valleys. Moreover, it is clear
from their report that very large sums of money would be needed effectively to relieve the
over-population problem of this one area where climatic and soil conditions will give a poorer
return for any capital sums invested than in most other parts of the Colony.
The present distribution of famine relief food to the Turkana camps is running at the
rate of over 1,000 bags per months which, since last September, has been purchased at con-
cessionary rates from the Maize Marketing Board. The cost of this maize, together with trans-
portation costs, the overheads of looking after the camps, and other charges amounts to about
f3,000 per month. The cost would have been very much higher and the camps very much
less effective had it not been for the generous assistance the Government has had from both { (
the Christian Council of Kenya and the Catholic Churches in providing supervisory staff in
the camps.
The purpose of this paper is to bring to the notice of the Oxford Committee on Famine
Relief-
(a) the present position as regards famine relief in the Turkana District; and
(b) the likelihood that continued arrangements will be necessary to distribute free food
(in, it is hoped, decreasing amounts) to the Turkana over the remainder of this year
and the whole of 1963.
To continue famine relief measures for the remainder of this financial year will cost
something of the order of f20,000 and a similar amount will be required in 1963 l64,andthe
Oxford Committee on Fanrine Relief is invited to consider the adoption of the Turkana camps
as a special project.
36
And so it is today. The fishing potential of the Turkana side of Lake Rudolf has, over
recent years, been exploited somewhat sporadically. Commercially it was done by the late
Commander McKay, who supplied fish to the old Ferguson's Gulf paupers' camp and who
also exported smoke-dried fish to Kitale, and also by one or two Nyanza entrepreneurs. In
addition, numbers of stockless Turkana harvested the waters by means of basket traps. hand
lines and the occasional long line.
In September, 1961, the Fisheries Department posted Mr. R. McConnel to Ferguson's
Guif to study the flshing possibilities at flrst hand and to experiment in finding the best
methods of fishing suitable for the local Turkana tribesmen. lt was the intention, if at all
possible, to start a flshing industry to exploit the natural wealth of the lake. It was soon
realized that though seine nets and long lines produced good results, gill nets offered the most
promising basis for a peasant flshing industry, and accordingly Mr. McConnel set out to
instruct a number of local flshermen in the technique of gill net making and in the use of
such nets in fishing.
His classes expanded rapidly and soon he was taking men from the nearby famine camp
and putting them through a short training course. To date about 150 men have graduated,
together with another 150 members of their families. An encouraging sign has been the
readiness of the women to learn about gill net making and mending. The initial shyness on
the part of the women was broken down by employing a local girl and training her as an
instructress to teach the others.
The early classes used twine supplied by the Fisheries Department and as this supply
ended it was replenished by buying more twine with money obtained from selling part of the
experimental catch. As most of the nets were given to the flshermen and are now beginning to
become worn out, more nets and twine are needed, and a further encouraging sign is the fact
that some fishermen are now using money from the sale of part of their catch to buy their
own ready-made nets and twine.
Apart from the late Commander McKay's smoked flsh exports there was also a casual
export of sun-dried fish through traders at Lodwar who usually obtained the fish in exchange
for maizemeal and tobacco. This outlet proved inadequate with the increased production
brought about by better fishing methods and application was made to the National Food
Relief Committee for a grant wherewith to buy the dried produce from the fishermen and
to distribute it to inland famine camps. It was thought that the result of such a grant would
be fourfold-
(1) it would supply a locally-produced high protein food to the camps;
(2) it would cut down on distribution costs;
(3) it would provide a small cash economy in the Ferguson's Gulf area and it would give
a stimulus to flshermen just starting; and
(4) it would help to rehabilitate and make independent numbers of families who were
relying entirely on the famine camp for their existence.
The Committee responded generously to this appeal and since luly, 1962, has made a
grant of f200 per month for the purchase locally of dried fish. At first this grant was not
fully expended, but for the last two months of. 1962 the supply of dried fish has exceeded
the cash available for its purchase.
To date the development at Ferguson's Gulf has been surprisingly rapid, thanks entirely
to Mr. McConnel's efforts. The present situation is that many Turkana now know how to
make and use nets, but are without the means to purchase the netting twine or the boats
from which to lay them. Likewise, there is an increasing amount of dried fish being produced
which will soon be difficult to market. Again, due to the help of the National Food Relief
Committee, a further f 150 worth of gill net twine has been purchased and a grant of f75
has been made and is being spent by the Fisheries Officer on a suitable locally-produced craft
for Lake Rudolf water-probably an outrigger canoe of the "Sesse fsland" or "Ngalawa"
type.
A grant of f,1,200 from the Government has been received and is being spent on four
flbre-glass rowing boats and on more gill net twine. The African District Council of Turkana
has also included an item of L300 in its 1963 estimates with which to buy a stock of gill net
twine for re-sale to fi.shermen.
All this extra equipment should be sufficient to equip the remainder of the flshermen
at Ferguson's Gulf until July, 1963, but it will also obviously result in an increased produc-
tion of dried fish, which will require additional finance in order to market it. It is expected
37
that about f,400 per month will be required for this purpose. If this money can be found, the
position will be that there will then be the people, the equipment, and the market to keep the
industry going at full pace for another seven months and during this seven months it will
be possible to-
(a) continue fishery investigations and the training of up to 200 fishermen and their
families, as well as endeavouring to extend the area of fishing beyond Ferguson's
Gulf, particularly to the water of the Kerio and Turkwell deltas and around
Todenyang;
(6) explore alternative markets for dried fish and, if possible, introduce the product into
such markets. Expatriate Nyanza tribesmen living in the Rift Valley and Nairobi
and the old Victoria Market in Kampala seem to warrant investigation as potential
consumers and the Fisheries Officer is making inquiries in these directions;
(c) investigate the possibilities of marketing lake fish in different forms, such as frozen,
tinned, fish balls, etc.;
(d) draw up and estimate the cost of a development plan to put the incipient industry on
a firm and permanent basis towards the second half of 1963; and
(e) seek financial aid in the form of a grant or loan, or a combination of both, with which
to carry out such a development plan.
Present thinking is that the permanent development of the fishing industry should be on a
co-operative basis. Members would purchase their equipment from the society and would
pay for it through cesses on their produce. The society would have to start by employing an
experienced manager who, in time, could train a suitable local person, but in the beginning
the manager would have to be given more authority than is usual in a co-operative; one of
his main tasks would be to introduce the idea of a co-operative to the people.
If the Fisheries Olficer is to extend his area of operations and bring other fishing grounds
into the scheme he will have to be provided with a boat sufficiently sea-worthy to take the
squalls and storms of Lake Rudolf and bi-s enough to carry a reasonable amount of equip
ment. Similarly, if the proposed co-operative is to supervise the activities of its members
outside Ferguson's Gulf and to collect their produce from areas which are not served by
roads, then a boat of this sort is doubly necessary. It is estimated that a boat with suitable
specifications could be built and transported to Ferguson's Gulf for about [1,100 and it is
envisaged that at first it would be the property of the African district council and would be
run by the Fisheries Officer, but that at a later date it would be taken over as part of the
initial equipment of the flshing co-operative.
The fishing industry at Ferguson's Gulf has one particular problem at present and that
is the crocodile menace. So far crocodiles have been responsible for a great amount of damage
to the actual nets and are preventing their full use since, because of the presence of crocodiles,
it is not possible to leave the nets out over night, which is, in fact, the best fishing time. If the
industry is to develop then the crocodiles in the areas of the fishing grounds must be destroyed
and the most efficient way to do this would be to give a concession to a person who would
shoot them for profit.
;ll
I
i
I
38
CHAPTER FOUR
t MEDICAL AIYD NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS, 1961 I 1962
The contribution by the Ministry of Health to the Report "Famine and Floods in Kenya,
1961", stressed the importance of the two major factors affecting the position in regard to the
famine and floods experienced in 1961. It was stated that the effects depended on two main
factors:
-
l. The previous nutritional status of the population.
2. The length and frequency of famines in the past.
In the first category, the statement that "the least deleterious effects of famine appear
when the previous nutritional status of the people is good and when the famine periods are
short and infrequent" was borne out by recent experience*.
The converse was equally well demonstrated where the previous nutritional status was
poor and the famine long. In Turkana District particularly, from time immemorial the people
have lived in the shadow of starvation and these were the people who were most seriously
affected by the droughts of 1960 and 1961. They depended exclusively upon their stock, not
just for their livelihood but for their very existence and the loss of this stock precipitously
destituted thousands who would undoubtedly have died in the normal course of events and
without the famine aid.
An early move was made in 1961 to bring these people together into camps where they
could more easily be fed and it was in the camps that individuals most obviously aftected
by the famine were to be seen. The proportion of women and children was extremely high
and cases of gross starvation were not uncommon. At one stage there were over 10,000 people
being fed in the temporary camps. That there were no great outbreaks of epidemic diseases
amongst such a large concentration of a population, whose normal way of life precluded them
from living in communities of any size, is a great tribute to the administration of these camps
and to the efforts of the voluntary agencies who assisted in their management.
The Masai people, although also pastoralists, were not as grievously aftected by the
drought, despite the fact that their cattle losses were extremely high. Camps had to be estab-
lished to feed those who were completely destitute; that is to say, those who had lost all their
stock. In addition to the camps, food distribution centres were established throughout the
worst-affected district of Kajiado in Masailand.
The lesser effect upon the human population in this area was due to the relative accessi-
bility of the Masai, and this enabled food to be brought to them sooner and more easily than
had been the case in Turkana. In consequence, the cases of starvation were not nearly as
frequent nor as severe as those that had occurred in Turkana.
In the agricultural areas (which again, by reason of good communications, were more
easily accessible) the crops had suffered severely in the drought, but early recognition of the
impending famine brought efiective aid in good time.
The dramatic events of the floods, so graphically described in the previous report, pro-
duced short-term food problems as a result of interruption of supply lines and destruction of
planted crops. But the heavy rainfall later brought on an excellent flush of grazing and allowed
food crops to be grown in areas where previously this had not even been attempted. This
applied, in particular, to many parts of Kitui, Machakos and the lowJying bush country
surrounding the Taita Hills and the hinterland of the Coast.
Following on the floods at the beginning of the year, the consequent rise in the level of
Lake Victoria destroyed a relatively large area of arable land in Central Nyanza and, in fact,
made this land unusable throughout the year. The experience gained during the floods of
"the 100 days period" enabled rapid aid to be brought to the area and there was no loss of
life due to starvation.
* In this report, thc terms, acute starvation, malnutrition and under-nutrition are used in a strict sense.
19
It is, perhaps, appropriate to say here that the energetic steps which brought such
apparently limitless amounts of food to the flooded and distressed areas, resulted in a ready
acceptance of the bounty of free food. It appeared to some that there was no necessity for
them to make any attempt to grow staple crops or to anticipate their future requirements as
the "Government" would obviously provide for them. Attempts to reduce the aid resulted in
vigorous resistance in some areas.
In view of the fact that it was extremely difficult to obtain genuine appreciation of the
real need on a countrywide basis and as between the different affected areas, an Assessment
Team was created which visited each area in turn to try to establish a system of priorities in
regard to those needs. The team consisted of the Executive Officer (Food Shortage), the
Medical Officer (Nutrition) of the Medical Department and, for the pastoral areas, a senior
Veterinary Officer. This enabled a reasonably balanced view of the whole situation to be
achieved. Furthermore, the team was often able to make suggestions for relieving immediate
problems and proposing long-term measures which would assist in rehabilitation. This assess-
ment conflrmed the belief that, whereas the famine presented an acute problem of starvation
of some magnitude, the problem of chronic, long-standing under-nutrition and malnutrition
was, and still is a much more disturbing feature, particularly in regard to the vulnerable
groups of the children and the aged.
The occurrence of famine presents such a dramatic picture that assistance is immediately
made available and the relief measures can be applied with such sufficient rapidity as to
prevent gross starvation. Conversely, the problem of chronic malnutrition and under-nutrition
is not dramatic and requires for its solution long-term planning and sustained measures which
do not produce easily demonstrable results in a short time. Education in nutrition is an
example of the kind of programme which has to be followed over a long period before its
beneflts become apparent.
During the course of these visits, the Medical Officer clinically assessed the nutritional
status of between six and eight thousand children. Excluding the Trrkana children (by far the
worst affected, with many gross cases of starvation) it is an interesting fact that he assessed
the amount of malnutrition in children as remarkably constant, both within the individual
communities and in the country as a whole. The criteria were based upon the obvious signs of
protein and other specific nutrient deflciencies, but not upon height and weight standards,
which would have been impossible to measure under the prevailing circumstances and in the
time available.
This assessment confi.rmed the belief that, whereas the famine presented an acute I
versely, the problem of chronic malnutrition and under-nutrition is not dramatic and requires
for its solution long-term planning and sustained measures which do not produce easily l
demonstrated results in a short time. -Education in nutrition is an example of the kind of I
programme which has to be followed over a long period before its benefits become apparent. I
As was foreseen in the previous report, the next most seriously-affected groups were I
amongst the women and the aged. It was noticeably a common practice for the old (and I
apparently emaciated) folk to be pushed well into the foreground at those places where
examinations were being carried out, apparently to exaggerate the degree of starvation present l
I
and so to ensure a continuation of the free food supplies. But there was a reverse side to this,
for the clinical assessments were made only upon those people who were able to come to the
examination point and no consideration could therefore be given to those who could not be
present for any reason whatsoever, including whether from lack of food. It was, therefore,
sometimes difficult to ensure that those in real need actually received relief supplies.
From the point of view of the general public health, the greatest problems were presented
by the camps in Turkana into which the people had been brought who required assistance
and in the flooded areas. i
J
Turkana is a large, arid area in which people live in small isolated groups. Medical l
services in the district were probably the least widespread in the country and the concentra-
tion of this normally widely-scattered population into the camps presented many urgent I
40 I
i
problems which were beyond the capacity of the local medical and health personnel. In
consequence, additional nursing and auxiliary aid was asked for and received from the
voluntary agencies, in particular the Catholic Secretariat, the Christian Council of Kenya
and the Salvation Army. Without this aid it would have been extremely difficult to cope with
the increased demand for medical and health services.
The flooded areas presented the threat of increased typhoid, dysentry, plague and
especially malaria. The actual increased incidence of malaria was not as great as had been
anticipated, but it would certainly have been far greater had it not been for the generous
donation of f 15,000 by the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief for anti-malarial measures.
This sum was not fully spent and permission was received for the unexpended balance to be
used to assist the medical and health services of those local authorities whose finances had
been impoverished by the disasters of either flood or drought, or both. This generous action
by the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief has been greatly appreciated by those authorities
and by the Ministry of Health.
The greatest problems in the aftermath of the famine period also remain in the Turkana
District. The rehabilitation of thousands of destitute people in a country as harsh as this area
is, presents very many difficulties. Great stress has been put by the Ministry of Health upon
the food and economic resources of Lake Rudolf and considerable attention has been drawn
to the potential flsh production from this relatively limitless reservoir of high-quality food
and the possibility of redistribution of the population. With the co-operation of the National
Famine Relief Committee, the Administration and the Fisheries Department, it is hoped that
several hundred families will be able to maintain themselves by their improved efforts at
fishing and supply much-needed protein not only to the district but to the rest of the country
as well. The main difficulties facing this oroject lie principally in the poor communications,
the long distances and the lack of a fully-developed marketing system. It is to be hoped that
these problems will be overcome in the not too distant future.
Coast Drought
No sooner had the difficulties which had faced the country at the start of the year be61rn
to recede to more reasonable proportions, than the threat of a further new drought in the
Coastal region started to raise misgivings. Failure of the "long rains" eventually made certain
that famine conditions must be expected and the situation was further a-egravated by the
failure of the succeeding "short rains". In the Kwale District alone, it was estimated that
some 60,000 people would have to be fed. The Assessment Team visited the area and advised
that, while relief foods were necessary and should be issued at once, adequate control had to
be kept to prevent a repetition of the situation where "Government" was to be looked upon
as a "Horn of Plenty" and that no further effort to help themselves rvas necessary on the part
of the local people. With this principle in mind, the Administration went to the aid of those
in need.
A second visit to the Coast by the Assessment Team, only a few months later, showed
that the nutritional state of the children had deteriorated since their previous visit. This was
complicated by the fact that the intake of milk into the treatment plant of the Mariakani
Milk Scheme had increased considerably. From this fact and from local information, the
team was able to draw attention to the fact that an educational programme in the area was
necessary to demonstrate to the people that it was vitally important for them to retain part
of the milk production to feed their own families. This programme was, in fact, put into
operation before the end of the year.
Perhaps the most important beneficial factor which arose as a result of the great cata-
strophies of 1961 and 1962, was the attention which had been drawn to the nutritional needs
of the people of this country. The establishment of the National Advisory Council on Nutri-
tion crystallized the long-held idea of the lUinistry of Health for a national body to advise on
I a nutrition policy for the country. Its creation was a direct result of the deliberations of the
National Food Relief Committee, who strongly recommended to Government that such a
body should be created. Representation from all Ministries and Departments whose activities
cover the different aspects of the f,eld of nutrition, has resulted in an influential body whose
t advice is asked for and received with respect. Its main responsibility lies in the long-term
aspects of nutrition and, because of this, it has rightly fallen heir to the small remaining
balance of the Famine Relief Appeal Fund.
4t
During the period when the National Food Relief Committee and the Council were
operating contemporaneously, the most cordial co-operation existed between them with the
division of responsibility for immediate and urgent problems carried by the National Food
Relief Committee and those of a long-term nature by the National Advisory Council on
Nutrition. It is to be hoped that the council will fulfil the great promise which is inherent
in its terms of reference of eradicating or, at least, reducing to minimal proportions the waste
of human life and eftort which is represented by the sad toll of malnutrition and under-
nutrition in Kenya today.
The plans of the National Advisory Council on Nutrition will only become effective with
the active co-operation and support of the fleld stafts who carried out so efficiently the relief
measures that saved so many lives during the emergencies described in this and the previous
report. It is only with their further sustained co-operation that the nutritional standards of
the nation can be raised.
42
CHAPTER FIVE
POPULATION GROWTH IN KEIYYA, 1948.1962
Two censuses of the African population of Kenya have been held: the first in 1948 and
the second in 1962. The 1948 census did not cover the Northern Province, Samburu District,
or the East Suk Division of Baringo District. Thus, for the remainder of the country, the
principal source of information on population growth is the apparent increase in population
between the two censuses. The basic flgures are as follows:-
Boundary changes, though not affecting Kenya as a whole, introduce a serious problem
at district, and even provincial, level. There are few districts in Kenya whose boundaries
were not altered between 1948 and 1962, and only rarely can the figures obtained in 1948
be adjusted so as to make a completely valid comparison with 1962. At provincial level, the
excision of Nairobi Extra-Provincial District from Central Province (at the same time involv-
ing extensive boundary changes) and the formation of Southern Province, have prohibited
accurate comparisons. Below district level, any attempts at comparisons for divisions or
locations are (except in rare cases) quite futile.
The question of varying coverage also raises serious difficulties. For the Northern
Province, Samburu District and the East Suk Division of Baringo, where no census was
conducted in 1948 and the population figures were based on District Commissioners'estimates,
any comparisons with the figures obtained in 1962 are clearlv worthless for assessing the rate
of growth of the population*. But even for those districts where a full-scale census lra.t
attempted in 1948, the 1962 figures have in some cases revealed apparent increases too large
to be attributed to the normal processes of population growth. The highest rate of natural
increase (i.e. excess of births over deaths) ever recorded for a human population is about
4 per cent per annumt, which, when cumulated over 14 years, would give an overall increase
* Indeed the provisional 1962 figures obtained for some of these areas have been so much higher than
had been estimated that they give cause for serious concern and are under investigation.
t A rate of about this order has been found for the North American Hutterites, an anabaptist sect
with a high standard of living but eschewing birth control. Rates of over 4 per cent have also been
recorded for the Indian population of Fiji (see Dr. Norma McArthur, "Population and Social Change:
Prospect for Polynesia", The lournal ol the Polynesian Society, vol. 70 No. 4), but, in the opinion of the
present writer, the mortality of the Fiji Indians may have been under-registered. Likewise rates of
4 per cent or over which have been quoted for some African populations are highly suspect in view of
the nature of the statistics on which the rates are based.
43
of 73 per cent. It is extremely unlikely that any population in Kenya u'ould have a rate ot
natural increase of 4 per cent per annum; 3j per cent per annum-giving 62 per cent over
14 years-would probably be a more realistic maximum. Thus a genuine increase of over
62 per cent could only be achieved as a result of substantial immigration. In the absence of
such immigration, apparent increases of this magnitude must be attributed either to under-
enumeration in 1948, or to over-enumeration in 1962.
Bearing all these factors in mind, the apparent increases for the 33 administrative districts
of Kenya, excluding the Northern Province and Samburu, are shown on the attached table.
It will be seen that ten districts showed increases of over 62 per cent: Narok, Elgeyo-
Marakwet, Kajiado, Nairobi, Kisii, Mombasa and Kericho showed increases of over 70 per
cent; Nanyuki, Baringo and Laikipia increases of between 60 per cent and 70 per cent.
In view of the influx of population into the towns, the figures for Nairobi and Mombasa
give cause for no surprise; indeed the 1962 census revealed rather smaller populations for
these towns than had been estimated. Likewise the increases for Kericho, Laikipia and
Nanyuki can be largely explained in terms of immigration or boundary changes*. But for the
Masai districts, Kisii, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo no such ready explanation is available.
An indication of possible over-enumeration in 19b2 may be obtained by comparing the
results of the 10 per cent post-enumeration survey, or sample census, with those obtained for
the same sublocations in the general census. For Kajiado, Kisii and Baringo (excluding East
Pokot Division), the figures tied up reasonably closely and the possibility of large-scale over-
enumeration can be excluded. For Narok, r+'here only tu,o areas were re-enumerated in the
sample census, the results were inconclusive. In Elgeyo-Marakwet it seems possible that the
recorded population in one or two locations may have been exaggerated, but the extent of
this overcnumeration seems to have been relatively small. Thus the principal reason for the
large apparent increases in the populations of these districts would appear to be under-
enumeration in 1948.
Because of these distortions, it is clear that the overall apparent increase cannot be taken
as giving a true indication of the rate of growth of the population. The distribution of districts
by percentage increase is fairly heavily skewed: the weighted mean increase. as we have seen,
was 55 per cenL the median increase was 50 per cent and the modal increase 44 per cent.
It can be argued that the median or the mode may give a more realistic indication of the rate
of growth of the population than does the mean. If we take the median, we get an average
rate of growth of 2.94 per cent per annum; if we take the mode we get 2.64 per cent per
annum. In the opinion of the writer the median is probably nearest the trr.rth, and, in round
figures, a rate of growth of 3 per cent per annum is the best estimate which can be obtained
from the dataat present available.
How is this rate of 3 per cent per annum made up in terms of mi-eration, birth rates and
death rates? Until the 1962 data on fertility, mortality and birthplace have been fully
analvsed. the answer to this question must be based largely on speculation.
It is not thought that net migration of Africans either into or out of Kenya is substantial.
There has certainly been no large-scale influx from neighbouring territories comparable with,
say, the immigration into Uganda from Ruanda-Urundi. We would probably, therefore, not
be far wrong in assuming that the net effect of migration on Kenya's population growth has
been virtually negligible.
The data obtained in the 1948 census clearly indicated that fertility was appreciably
higher in Kenya than in either Tanganyika or Uganda. Estimates of the crude birth rate
indicated a figure of about 50 per 1,000 for Kenya in 1948, compared *vith 46 per 1,000 in
Tanganyika in 1957 and 42 per 1,000 in Uganda in 1959.
The death rate is more difficult to estimate accurately, but calculations based on the
1948 Kenya data suggested that it was probably in the neighbourhood of 25 per 1,000. How-
ever, the Population Branch of the United Nations has advocated that population estimates
and projections for under-developed countries with inadequate statistics should envisage a
fall in mortality such that the expectation of life at birth increases annually by about 0.5
* In Kericho the acreage under tea (which probably requires a higher labour force than any other
agricultural crop) doubled between I948 and 1961, and must have attracted considerable immigrant labour.
It should be observed, however, that the population of the African Land Units also showed a apparent
lincrease of about 80 per cent, which cannot be attributed to the development of the tea industry. In
Laikipia the number of agricultural employees increased by more than 50 per cent between 1954 and
1961. (No reliable figures are available before 1954). Nanyuki gained a considerable area, but involving
an unknown number of persons, due to a boundary change with Laikipia.
44
years*. Thus if (as seemed probable) the expectation of life at birth in Kenya was about
36 years in 1948, by 1962 it should have increased to about 43 years. A change of this
magnitude could easily cause a drop of live points in the crude death rate-from 25 to 20
per 1.000. And the latter flgure, we may observe, is the value obtained for Uganda in 1959.
Thus if the birth rate remained constant at 50, and the death rate fell to 20 per 1,000,
we get a rate of natural increase of 30 per 1.000, or 3 per cent per annum (Q.E.D.).
If this rate of growth is maintained, the population of Kenya will reach 11 millions by
1970,15 millions by 1980, 20 millions by 1990, and26l millions by the end of the century.
f,'amine Areas
When we turn from consideration of Kenya as a whole to the famine areas in particular,
we are faced with an almost total lack of reliable data, and are thus largely reduced to
speculation and guesswork.
The famine-affected districts may be broadly divided into two categories: those where
the famine was caused by floods and those where it was caused by drought. To those in the
first category, the question of population growth is scarcely relevant. For the drought areas,
which were largely inhabited by pastoral nomadic tribes, data are either wholly lacking or
very unreliable. Thus in Turkana no census was held in 19.18, while that of 1962 was done on
a sampling basis, and the sampling errors have yet to be determined. In Baringo and the
Masai districts, as we have seen, there is reason to suppose that the population was seriously
under-counted in 1948.
In the remainder of the drought-affected districts, no consistent pattern of population
growth is evident. In the two Kamba districts, for example, the intercensal growth for
Machakos was above the median value. while that for Kitui was well below it. And for Kenya
as a whole there was no correlation, either positive or negative, between population density
and population growthi'. This result reflected similar findings in both Tanganyika and
Uganda, and it would seem in fact that two opposite movements have taken place. On the
one hand in some areas of low density, such as Turkana, the inhospitable nature of the
country has tended to force the expanding population to seek their means of livelihood else-
where. On the other hand, in some of the more fertile areas of high density, population
pressure has already reached such a pitch that the people are similarly being forced out into
other districts. There can be little doubt, for example, that the relatively low increases in
Nyeri, Fort Hall and Kiarnbu should be attributed largely to emigration, which is reflected
in the large excess numbers of women over men in these districts.
Whether natural increase is higher or lower in the famine areas than in the country as
a whole again cannot be determined from the data at present available. It might be thought
that among the pastoral nomadic tribes. who have been less allected than the settled agricul-
ural population by modern medicine and health services, mortality might be higher than the
national average. Yet certain features of their normal way of life may in themselves be con-
ducive to healthier conditions. Thus it is known that among many African peoples, a peak
,period of mortality occurs about the age of weaning. It can be ar-eued that among the
pastoral tribes, where milk constitutes a major item of diet, the transition effected at weaning
would be less likely to produce an upsurge of mortality at that age than among agricultural
peoplest. It is possible also that the arid nature of the country might itself tend to reduce
the incidence of diseases such as malaria or bilharzia.
On the question of fertility, there is a general popular belief that the birth rate among
the Masai is unusually low. But as far as the writer is aware. this contention has never been
corroborated by sound statistical eridence$ and an anthropologist who lived and worked
among the Masai and with whom he discussed the problem, was of the opinion that it was
mythical. In other famine-affected areas, the 1948 fertiiity data showed no marked divergence
from the national average, except in parts of Coast Province (most noticeably Lamu) where
it was conspicuously low, and may account in part for the relatively small intercensal growth
in this area.
In summary, there is no reason to suppose that the rate of population growth in the
famine areas has differed conspicuously from that of Kenya as a whole. which at present is
among the highest, not only in Africa, but also in the world.
* Methods for Popttlation Projections by Sex and Age, New York, 1956, p. 28.
t The districts were ranked according to their average population density and their apparent
intercensal growth, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient calculated. The value obtained was - 0.04.
I Thus kwashiokor, a disease due to protein deflciency, and a major cause of mortality among
young children, was unknown among the pastoral tribes until the recent famine.
$ No sample census, involving the collection of fertility data. was done in the Masai districts in 1948.
45
DISTRICT POPULATION INCREASE, 1948_1962
NeRosI E.P.D.
CrNrn^u- PnovINcr
Embu 202,6t1 293,300 45
Fort Hall 304,457 344,900 13
Kiambu 286,t96 406,900 42
Meru 313,702 469,600 50
Nanyuki 34.721 57,400 65
Nyeri 184,363 254,000 38
Thika .. 69,o52 98,300 42
Coesr PnovtNcr
Kilifi-Malindi 184,988 246,800 JJ
Kwale .. 116,251 157,800 36
Lamu-Tana River 40,286 52,500 30
Mombasa 97,545 178,400 83
Taita 62,05r 90,100 45
NvnNzn PRovlNcr
Central Nyanza 469,748 663,800 42
Elgon Nyinza 224,421 348,100 55
N6rth Nyanza 411,085 609,300 48
SouthNyanza .. i 306,245 481,600 57
519,200 116
Kericho 214,759 391,200 82
SournpRN Pnovmcr
Kajiado 29,482 68,400 132
Narok 3',7,648 I 10,100 192
211,254 284,700 35
358,542 550,500 54
Note.-The figures for Lamu and Tana River have been combined on account of a
substantial boundaiy change between the two districts; likewise those for Naivasha and
Nakuru, which wersone district in 1948. Otherwise the only adjustments to _the_ 1948 which
have been made for boundary changes have been those involving Nairobi, Kiambu and
Machakos, and those arising fiom the transfer of Ol Kalou Ward from Nakuru to Laikipia.
All the 1962 figures are provisional and have been rounded to the nearest hundred.
APPENDICES
I.-Recipients of Certificates
Vl.-Statement of Accounts 55
VII.-Meteorological Statistics
VIII.-Maps Showing Famine Relief and Population Fed in January 1962, Compared
with December,l962. at end
47
APPENDIX I
The following is a list of naval, army and air units and of individuals, both officials and unofficials, who
were specially commended by the Governor on behalf of the Government of Kenya for their outstanding
services during the 1961-62 Famine and Flood operations.:-
H.M. FORCES
Roval Nevv-
(l) 824 Squadron, the Aircraft Carrier H.M.S. "Victorious".
(2) 825 Squadron, the Aircraft Carrier H.M.S. "Centaur".
(3) The Tank Landing Ship (Assault) H.M.S. "Striker", and her Light "Assault" Landing Craft.
ARtttY-
The Officers and men of :
(1) H.Q. East Africa Command.
(2) H.Q. 24 lnlarftry Brigade Group.
(3) H.Q. Royal Engineers and Commander, Royal Engineers, Kahawa.
(4) 36 Corps. Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers.
(5) 24 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers.
(6) 34 Independent Field Squadron, Royal Engineers.
(7) 8 Independent Reconnaissance Flight, Army Air Corps.
(8) 16 Company Royal Army Service Corps. (Air Despatch).
(9) 60 Company Royal Army Service Corps. (24 Infantry Brigade Group).
(10) 9l General Transport Company, King's African Rifles.
(ll) H.Q. 70 lnfantry Brigade, K.A.R.
(12) H.Q. Nairobi Garrison.
(13) 3rd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery.
(14) 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards.
(15) lst Battalion Queen's Own Buffs.
(16) lst Battalion, The King's Regiment.
(17) 2lO Signal Squadron.
(18) lst Infantry Workshops, Royal.
(19) I Infantry Workshops, R.E.M.E.
(20) I I th Battalion, King's African Rifles.
(21) 93 Motor Transport Company (Infantry Brigade) K.A.R.
(22) Lieht Aid Detachments of Headquarters.
(23) 7O Infantry Brigade, King's African Rifles.
(24) 1st Signal Squadron, K.A.R.
(25) 37 Supply Depot, R.A.S.C.
INDIVIDUALS
Co.a.sr PnovrNcr-
(l) Mr. H. J. Simpson.
(2) Mr. C. L. Ryland.
(3) Major J. M. E. Wainwright.
(4) Mr. Masoodi Abdalla.
(5) Dr. Hillbourne.
(6) Mr. H. K. Arnold.
(7) Mr. A. P. Vienna.
(8) Mr. J. Duke.
(9) Mr. Daniel Toya.
( l0) Mr. Jackonia Kainani.
(11) Mr. Aliud David Abio.
(12) Mr. Matia Teoflo.
(13) Mr. Philiman Matayu.
(14) Mr. Salatiel Teoflo.
(15) Mr. F. Brauer.
(16) Mr. Johana Walakisa.
(17) Mr. Hendrich Elia.
(18) Mr. Johnson Emanuel.
(19) Mr. Matata Julius.
(20) Mr. Mohammed Athuman.
(21 ) Mr. Harrison Katana.
(22) Mr. Phares Joel.
(23) Mr. Marigo Mikael.
(24) Miss Mary Ezekiel.
(25) Mr. M. S. R. P. NeI.
(26) Mr. G. Luce.
49
APPENDIX l-(Contd.)
SourrmnN PnovrNcn-
(1) Mr. A. D. Galton-Fenzi, M.B.E.
(2) Mr. P. A. Whitcher.
(3) Mr. Soloman Mwai Matuku.
(4) Mr. H. G. B. Johnston.
(5) Mr. C. Rochia.
(6) Mr. T. L. Edgar.
(7) Mr. Darling.
(8) Mr. d'Costa.
(9) Mr. Royston.
(10) Mr. Heyrvood.
(11) Mr. Denis Zaphiro.
(12) Mr. Peter Logan.
(13) Mr. Pat Grainger.
(14) Mrs. Marks.
(15) Miss Betty Martin.
(16) Mr. Lehrer.
(17) Mrs. Lehrer.
(18) Miss Eglin.
(19) Mr. Daudi Mokinyo.
(20) Mr. Robert Savory.
(21) Mr. Niall Watson.
(22) Mr. Raphael.
(23) Miss J. Stephen.
(24) Mrs. W. Gunn.
(25) Mr. Matheka Mulinge.
(26) Mr. Muthuki Mathai.
(27) Mr. Matheka Musan.
(28) Mr. Oladaru.
(29) Mr. R. G. Wilson.
(30) Mr. B. U. Middelboe.
(31) Mr. J. C. Stevenson-Hamilton.
(32) Mr. J. M. Swainson.
(33) Mr. G. A. Farrell.
(34) Miss Anne Sopper.
(35) Mr. Justus Ndeti.
(36) Mr. Mbondo Kaleli.
(37) Mrs. H. Meadows.
(38) Mr. J. A. Palfreman, O.B.E.
NvaNzl PnovrNcr-
(1) Mr. H. C. F. Wilks.
(2) Mr. H. M. Galton-Fenzi.
(3) Mr. W. W. Sturrock.
(4) Mr. J. M. L. Elliot.
(5) Chief Alfred Oguko.
(6) No. 1417 SsI. Silfano.
(7) Constable William Miramba.
(8) Mr. Lucas Atiang.
(9) Mr. Hasham Hassan.
(10) Mr. Sam Aboko.
(11) Mr. Yacob Aman.
(12) Mr. Baruhani Ibrahim.
(13) Mr. Patrick Omondi.
(14) Mr. P. J. R. Leyden.
(15) Mr. P. J. R. Saunders.
(16) Chief Thomas Otiende.
(17) Mr. Richard Ondiek.
( l8) Mr. Joseph Obiero.
(19) Chief Jonathan Barasa.
Cr,Nrnlr CownNusNr-
(1) Miss K. Robinson.
(2) Mr. M. J. Roberts, M.C.
50
APPENDIX II
Reproduced below is a facsimile of the Certificate issued to those who gave outstanding assistance during
the Famine Relief campaign.
CERTIFICATE
by
Jlly,1962
G overnor and Commandei r-in-Ciiiii
51
APPENDIX ilI
MAIZE MARKETING BOARD-FAMINE RELIEF, 1962
(In Bags of 200 lb.)
Rrcrrprs
Scnrour,r "A"-
Stock Brought Forward 38,478
Monthly Balance Brought forward 6s,687 59,022 14,900 46,354
Shipments Ex. U.S.A. 2t,021 55,008 28p00 263,422
Purchases Ex. M.M.B. I 8,566 11,817 69,141
Sus-ToraL 143,620 49,739 79,51s s9,022 | 34,e49 69,908 64,920 13,91 I 39,817 371,041
Zess-Scrrpout-E "B" 77,933 24,475 20,493 24,073
_t_ | 20,049 23,s54 64,920 13,91 I 39,817 371,O41
RrqurnrureNrs
() ScnBpr-nn "8"
l\)
Southern Province-
Machakos 52,710 18,470 3,859 75,038
Kitui . 1,134 -r,n t - 1,567 -1zz -2,726
Kajiado-Masai (includes Ngong and Narok).. (4,974 3,785 4,500 ,p* 3,0o0 2,000 2,000 ,,r* rJoo t,o* ,p* 783 29,942
Loitokitok 300 400 400 220 180 1,500
Ngong 500 453 400 300 300 300 300 210 180 2,943
Narok 114 112 225 229 270 225 200 200 1,575
Central Province-
Kiambu 2,400 2,540 2,700 yu, 2,966 2,740 ) ))1 2,O30 1,470 950 325 355 23,170
Meru .. 40 40
Embu. 1,909 Jrs _1at 2,077
Fort Hall 465 I,809 1,829 2,635 r,49s iso 200 12,384
Nyeri.. 52 233 197 305 300 itt lss 25 1,s87
Coast Province-
Tana .. 2,s57 200 8,657
Malindi 500 1,313 2,765 2,'.ts5 974 387 12,238
Kwale 1,142 1,912 4,887 3,277 3,000 1,779 olu:, 3,872 27,197
Taita . ,!ro 150 150 508 500 1,000 r,483 2,000 12,528
Lamu. 400 400
Kilifi .
qst 1,151 500 8s9 r,581 822 5,39
^l
T t
APPENDIX Iil-(Cond.)
RrqurnrnuNr s-\C o n t d.)
Aug.
Acct.
Dec.
Acct.
I
I
ro,",
Scueour,B "B"
-(Contd.)
Nyanza Province-
Central 5,076 37,294
South.. 203 5,529
Kericho 857
Northern Province-
Garissa 785 815 500 2,tN
Turkana 1,208 1,561 I,555 232 1,230 16,871
Mandera luo 50
Air drops/Road Hauls 288 286
,rj"
Sus-TorAL (Famine only)
M.M.B. Replacement.
StorageTTransit Losses
.
77933
rl-l
24,47s
| 20,4%
|
16,888 I 20,M9 18,566
43,000
3,354
11,817
28,000
287,687
80,000
3,3s4
APPENDIX V
PRINCIPLES ON WHICH FAMINE RELIEF WAS GIVEN
(Directive issued from the office of the Minister of State for Constitutional Aflairs and Administration
on lst August,1962)
The provision of famine relief supplies to drought and flood affected areas should be governed by the
foltowing considerations-
(a) There is a danger, now that we are in our second year of distributing famine relief on a wide basis,
of creating a "famine relief mentality" and unconsciously starting up a new social service which no
Government, Colonial or Independent, will be able to maintain. Nevertheless, the Government has
an obligation in these matters which, in the simplest terms, is to see that life is maintained but only
in the severest conditions should this be a Government responsibility as distinct from a family, clan
or tribal responsibility. In short, when crops fail in an area the people should look in the flrst instance
towards their own resources rather than to the Government. On the other hand, where the disaster
is widespread and where there are no local resources, then the Government must step in. A case in
point was that of the Masai in 1961 where the livestock herds were destroyed and where there was
a real danger to the very existence of the people;
(b) Normally, famine relief should only be provided when local resources are exhausted or severely depleted,
but a single poor harvest in a district is not in itself sufficient reason for putting large numbers of
people on famine relief. In such circumstances, where the people have been accustomed to good crops
in the past, they should be expected to use up their reserves, of either cash or food, in feeding themselves ;
(c) In pastoral areas drought alone does not warrant the issue of free food and the Government should
reasonably expect the local people to provide funds for their own support by the holding of stock
sales of surplus animals. Account will be taken of an individual's need to preserve some capital for
the future, particularly in the form of breeding stock. (l believe that stock sales are being held in the
Kwale hinterland which is at present suffering from drought and where the animals are in good<on-
dition, and this is precisely the first action which should be taken in such areas);
(/) Wherever it is necessary to issue free famine relief, work should be regarded as an essential requirement
of all able-bodied adult males. Where there are jobs going in a district and people refuse to take them
then famine relief should be stopped;
(e) Wherever possible communal work will be arranged against the issue of famine relief maize but normally
such communal labour should be limited to able-bodied men since during periods of famine the women
are usually better employed in looking after their families. In so far as able-bodied men are concerned,
regard should be had to the conditions under which they are required to work, bearing in mind that
the scale of famine relief may not be sufficient to feed a man who has to do a very exacting day's work;
(/) In distributing famine relief regard will be had to the ration scales laid down and approved by the
Ministry of Health, but it must be recognized that such scales may be modified as required in accordance
with the local availability of foodstuffs;
(6,) The policy of the Government is not to accept responsibility through famine relief measures for an
improvement over and above the general prevailing standards of nutrition which apply in normal
years in the same areas. The long term improvement of dietary standards and scales is not a matter
for this Office and out concern must be to maintain life during a period of local disaster.
2. In deciding upon eligibility for famine relief District Commissioners should make use of local Advisory
Committees consisting of elders and others from the Locational Councils. It must be emphasized that these
Committees can be no more than advisory and the final decision must rest with the District Commissioner,
who will issue food according to availability.
3. Kenya is now expecting a maize surplus and for the sake of the country's economy we are going to
use local maize for famine relief wherever possible rather than imported American A.I.D. maize. Kenya
maize is obviously more expensive than free maize since we have to pay the export parity price and arrange
delivery to district headquarters. As, however, we are to purchase local maize our funds will be severely stretched
and it is imperative, therefore, that when District Commissioners indent for famine relief they should consider l
the quantities required most carefully in the light of (a) to (9,) above. Indents for foodstuffs should be sent
through Provincial Commissioners to reach headquarters at least 14 days in advance of the provisioning period.
This directive was endorsed by the National Food Relief Committee.
54
-7 + \
NorEs {l) This stalement is subject to Audit. Thc Balance of the FuDd wil be paid oiEr on completion of the Conaoll€r and Auditor-Geneml inspeclion.
(2) tl,om i! still a.nticipat€d from the iale of Edible Oil Dru s.
(3) This stalemeDt d@s not include the numerous gifts in kind yalued at Xl 5,000 apFoximately nor lhe f.e€ food r€leived ftom the American Go!€.nment (A.I.D. )6timat€d
at !3,206,0m.
H. SI"ADE,
ChaitM,
Fant@ Relief Appeal Fa l.
P. W. SPENCER,
SoutrsnN PnovrNcn
June
I rutv Aug.
I
Year
M^q.cgaxos D.C.
9l-3710
Total
Avge.
3.43
1.91
0.49
2.to
4-50
4.89
6.18
8'31
5.91
2-94
0.77
0.48
II o.oo
o.zz
0.00
0.23
0.15
0'36
2.OO
2.10
4.66
7.49
4.36
4.80
32.45
35.83
o/ 179 23 92 74 201 160 0 0 4t 95 62 9l 91
Krn;r Boue Total 2-26 0.84 3.79 14.59 0.85 0.00 0.00 0.48 0.00 4.39 10.95 5.58 43.73
91.3800 Avge. 1.61 0.94 4.67 9.51 2.22 0.18 o.t2 0.18 0.26 3.20 11.98 5.65 40.52
/o 140 8S 81 153 38 0 0 267 0 137 91 99 108
Klrraoo D.C. Total 4.06 0.32 0.49 5.27 4.48 1.06 0.00 0.08 0.35 1.81 3.38 1.88 23.18
91.3639 Avge. 1'48 1.59 2.81 4.86 2.27 0.36 o.t7 0.13 0-28 0.71 2.72 2'46 19.84
o/ 274 t6 17 108 197 294 0 6t 125 255 124 76 tt7
Lorrorrror Total 8.40 0.56 6.41 1.08 3'51 0.04 0.23 0.80 0.06 3.28 8.00 9'18 4t.ss
92.3704 Avge. t'85 2.34 4.31 5.08 1.26 0.11 0.08 0.05 0.13 2.to 6.90 5.71 29.92
o/ 454 23 r49 2t 279 36 287 1,600 46 156 t16 t6t 139
NcoNc P.C. Total 9'55 0.72 0.82 6.99 t 0'78 1.65 0.06 1.27 1.22 4.27 3-02 t-74 42.O9
91 .3613 Avge. 1.50 2.18 3.91 7.46 5.41 1.36 0.58 0.77 0'96 1.72 3.50 2.49 31.84
o/ 2t t2t
637 33 94 199 10 165 127 248 86 70 132
Nnnorc Mnrsonor.ocrcar- Sr,rrroN Total 8.78 0.70 3.68 7.20 8.54 1.88 0.04 1.24 0.79 4.11 2.68 3.46 43.17
(,t 91.3501 Avge. 2.s8 3.01 4.02 5.46 3-49 1.07 0.57 0.80 0.83 0.94 2-42 2.78 27-97
o\ o/
,/o 340 25 9t 132 245 176 7 155 95 437 lll 124 ts4
Cr,Nrnar PnovrNcr
Kra.N,rsu D.C. Total 4.48 t-49 1.09 8.09 9.44 1.34 0.87 0.96 1.58 3.76 4.67 3.89 4l'66
91.3628 Avge. 1.68 2.03 4.64 9.14 6.21 2.06 0.97 1.05 1.35 2.55 5.98 3.17 40.83
o/ 267 73 23 89 152 65 90 9t tt7 147 78 123 102
Luraunu MaenouKr Total 6.70 1.65 1.35 12.75 16.76 4.20 1'10 2.32 2.16 4.48 6'15 3.75 63.37
91.3635 Avge. 2.32 2-30 4.63 11.72 9.74 2.57 I'15 1.58 1.87 3.45 6.24 3.97 51.54
o/ 289 172
/o 72 29 109 163 96 147 115 130 99 94 123
Kxuvu SrerroN Total 9.42 0.00 0.00 5-97 t3-75 2.20 0'00 3.70 0.25 2.95 4-75 2.80 45.79
9l .3616 Avge. 1'40 2.OO 4'18 9.26 7-02 r.47 0.75 0.71 1.09 2.01 4.43 3.38 37.70
o/
/o 673 0 0 64 196 150 0 521 23 147 to7 83 t2t
Krarrasu GtrnuNcunt Total 6.28 0'00 3.05 9.98 11.62 5.22 0.78 1.72 0.72 4.71 5.25 4.58 53.91
9t-3664 Avge.
o/
t.4s t.72 4.18 11 .53 e.sl I
2.42 1.31 1.69 1.99 3.53 7.31 3.69 50.39
/o 433 0 73 87 121 i
216 59 102 36 r33 72 124 107
Errrnu D.C. Total 2.21 0.00 2.73 7.05 9.60 0.09 1.32 4.18 0.94 4.49 2.22 1.25 36.08
90.3708 Avge. 0.89 0.90 3.73 10.79 6.24 1.25 0.95 1.09 0.90 4.94 7.52 2-24 41.44
o/ 248 0 73 65 154 7 139 383 to4 91 29 56 87
Fonr Hall D.C. Total 2.66 0.12 0.74 8'31 17.95 2.38 o.72 4.80 0.41 4.20 4.37 3.49 50.1 5
90.3707 Avge. 1.28 1.45 4.48 12.09 7-62 1.76 0'80 0.87 l.o7 4.59 7.50 2.89 46.40
o/ t7
/o 208 8 69 236 135 90 552 38 9t 58 121 108
Nvenr M.O.W. Total 4.27 0.58 2.75 2.48 5.88 0.54 0.89 2.t9 0.49 4.4s 4.31 33'3 32.16
90.3617 Avge. r.74 1.72 2-63 7.24 6.78 1.26 1.43 1.49 l-24 3.68 4.49 2.98 36.68
o,
/o 24s 34 105 34 87 43 62 147 39 tzr 96 tl2 88
-a * 7
\.
APPENDIX ltil-(Contd.)
Mnrron.or-ocrcll Srarrsrrcs{1C on t d.)
Naun on SrnrroN I I Jarr. Feb. I rtau.. I April I Mry l run" I lutv Aus. Sept. I o.t. I Nov. 1 r... Year
] , ' I coasrJ*o,,,'". I I t I I
Tana, KmNr TowN Total 4.09 2.46 0.98 1l '83 8.94 l'06 t.52 0.92 0.00 0.05 2.50 6.36 41.71
92.4000 Avge. 0.99 o-27 1.38 4.95 13.70 5.19 3.02 l.6l 2.00 r.87 2.42 3.25 40.85
,/o 413 9il 62 239 65 20 50 57 0 3 103 196 100
Mlrnqor Dtsrnrcr OrrtcB Total 0.60 0.09 4.06 l-94 14.17 2.32 2.48 1.87 0.70 0.31 0.00 t-47 30.01
93.4000 Avge. 0.39 0-23 1.22 6.04 13.52 6.53 3.68 2.15 2.13 2.49 1.92 l.l0 4t'40
/o 154 39 333 32 105 35 67 87 33 t2 0 133 72
Kur-B Acnrcurtuner DBp,lnrurNr. . Total 2.19 0.00 2.48 1.52 3.84 2.52 2.06 2.84 1.33 2.06 1.73 5.82 28.39
Avge. 1.27 o-77 2.30 6.21 9.16 3.76 3.21 2.37 2.72 3.58 3.75 3.19 42.29
,/o t7? 0 108 24 42 67 64 120 49 57 46 182 67
Tnrra, Wesu Hosprrl .. Total 2-59 0.00 4.81 6.63 3.88 0.00 0.00 7.O2 0.20 1.75 8.95 8.25 44.08
93.3805 Avge. 1.64 1'78 5.41 11.55 7.66 1.43 1.36 2-02 2.63 4.57 8.81 7.02 55.88
/o 158 0 89 57 5l 0 0 347 8 38 101 117 79
Lln{u MsrEonoLocICAL S'rartou Total 0.09 0.01 0.08 3.35 9.41 4.28 2.04 2.54 r.08 0.34 0.93 2-43 26-58
92-400t Avge. 0.22 0.10 0.75 5.06 13.64 6.10 2.69 1.55 1.47 r.46 1.27 r.07 36'38
o/
(.}l /o 4t l0 11 66 69 70 76 164 73 23 73 236 73
{ Krlrrr Drsrnrcr Orncn Total 1.40 0'00 1.58 7.47 8.21 2'14 1.98 1.94 1.30 o.62 o-75 1.38 28.77
93-3904 Avge. 0.70 0.55 t.4t 4.82 10.98 4.38 3'15 2.13 2.34 2.90 2.61 t-75 37.72
o/ 200 0 112 155 75 49 63 91 55 2l 29 79 76
NvnNza PRouNcn
Total 4-52 0.40 6.94 9.80 14.09 4.26 2.53 2.09 4.95 3.22 4.92 3.43 61'15
Avge. 2.14 2.86 6.27 7-60 6.65 3.96 2.67 3.84 3.01 2.49 4.16 4.16 49.8r
o/
211 14 111 129 212 107 95 54 164 129 118 82 123
Hone Bev Total 192 1.93 3.91 2.85 2.64 4.33 1.38 2.tl 2.63 4.22 2.43 2.to 32-4s
90.3428 Avge. 1.34 2.3s 7.O2 6.83 7.25 2.09 3.19 3-75 5.30 4.12 5.98 4.06 53.28
/o 143 82 57 42 36 207 43 56 50 102 4l 52 6t
NonrurnN PnovrNce
G.a.nrssa. Total 0.16 0.29 2.68 4.08 0.01 0.02 0.00 0'04 0'04 0.28 4.20 1.98 11.81
Avge. 0.40 0.23 1.00 2.26 0.66 0.19 0.06 o.23 0.25 0'83 2.99 2.55 11.65
,/o 40 126 268 28s I 1l 0 17 t6 34 140 77 101
Loow^qn .. Total 0.31 0.00 0.92 0.73 4.21 0.03 0'18 0.06 0.00 0.23 1.29 0.00 7.96
Avge. 0.30 0.21 0.78 1.62 0.97 0.34 o.54 0.37 0'13 0.32 0.39 0.54 6.51
,/o 103 0 118 45 434 9 33 t6 0 7t 331 0 122
Lorrratruc Total 0.10 0'00 2.70 0.40 3.21 0.61 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.31 0.05 12.38
Avge. 0.48 0.70 2.08 4.85 1.80 0.87 I .31 0.54 0.28 0.54 1.10 1.15 15.70
,/o 2l 0 130 8 178 7 0 0 0 0 483 4 79
ril
ii
ii
?t
\:l
al
APPENDIX Vil-(Contd.)
MrreoroLocrcAl SrArrsrr cslC ont d.)
,rn. llrleue. i I
NluB or SrarroN Feb. i Mar. I Or." | '", July I Sept. I Oct. I Nov. Dec.
I
Year
__,
-i--=1*
I
]_ I
;- **;' *"",,.,:. ii
BenrNco, Drsrmcr Orrrcn Total 2.68 0.01 ' 2.96 5.69 12.93 4.47 8.22 -t--'-
6.44 | 3.77 2.7t i t.S: 0.89 52.30
89.3520 Avge. o-97 1.78 2.81 7-15 6.55 s.4l 8.19 8'97 3'31 2'22 t 3'26 2.O4 52.66
o/ 276 0 r05 80 197 83 100 72'll4l21ln 44 99
Nerunu Mprnonoloctcal SrArroN .. s.t1 2.34 3-7t | 3.s7
4.191 3.09 3.10 4'61
Lfl Total
oo 3.35 0.68 2.57 5.37 4.55 3.23 2-24 i 2.36 39.14
90.36236 .. Avge. 1.35 1.21 1.94 4-52 4.30 2.9s 3.67 2.20 37.t3
o/ 248 56 132 tt9 106 109 6l 123 76 120 ' 77 |
107 105
TsorvrsoN's Falm Total 2.24 0.09 3.07 3-87 6.33 3'09 4.42 5.95 4.90 i l.9o 4.O7 1.80 41.73
89.3622 Avge. 0.92 1.26 2.16 4.78 3.69 3.70 5-77 5.90 2'88 1-64 2.77 2.48 38.95
,/o 243 7 142 8l t7t 83 77 86 t70 | I 16 t47 73 107
Narvlsua Drsrnrcr Oruce Total 3.72 0'59 2.14 5.00 5.98 0.97 0.14 l'70 ' 1.52 , 2.41 1.32 2.25 27-74
90.3@2 Avge. 0.81 r.38 2.33 4.20 3'35 1.61 1.30 1.74 t.1s I .82 2.32 t.4t 24.02
o/
459 41 92 tt9 179 60 1l 98187i13257 160 115
Wrsr Poxor (K,o,reNcurua) .. Total 1.39 0'00 1.36 3.05 9.25 3.12 9.48 5'80 t 6'67 2'67 3'57 0.70 47.06
88.3504 Avge. 0'59 l.t7 2.88 5.99 7.78 5.20 7-47 1 t.c)+ 4.22' 3.16 2-28 1.19 49.86
o/
/o 236 0 47 5l t19 60 t27 73 158 , 84 157 59 94
li
l
KENYA
FAMINE RELIEF AS AT 1.1.62
36. 38 *
_..(rr■_ ~.=---- -r■ow.
. .. _ w.
,,KokurcTi v X -i= ri - 4. - * [-Stet crow
-
9,
x • + - + • + • + • ii• • + • + • -I- • 444-P./ q- •11- —1-'' , . lT •_
y
oNamoroputn ...4•1, X. Y.
.x • +''ix
LOTAKIPI s%
.
x //
x PLAINS 'lleret ,_.,_,..P.P X
-, P.P nii- ISabarei • x
.X g Lokichokio .,--. „ n --,,,,... • P.
x x Lokitaung
lr . .-%., ..4... v.
.
Mega
11
x:
6
X--
El Der ftf Roba
6 ,,..
n
cc
Sololo
'1, ii *sc.
3 7( P.P
6 Fong usGo,,n; ,,II
\ ,.., ,/ • + • + • 4- • -1— Moiale*
* ,..7(, /0 •-/- . Hello
,Kaabon
I, 6. , # '4- irxperp, .x ci
■
g+ .•
Moyale •Gurar
%
`Z* ■
,..IU RK A NA North Horr ,z, /,
/7
‘ ii
4
, -='''''- 4, ,.. _ „ ,•-..,-7
Debe
tr It r l.
K oLi do
k .4.1 .1.445,,r'ogurn,, 0 0% MaikonaCk 4, Buse la
3 II ?El Molo 0 e
tc ,
Camp4 ii,. .. ' e ,. 7. Buna
7 , --., 'r
.,' .
I Moroto .. Ar,„ i TURKANA DISTRICT 4A,1T. KULAL,, Kargi _.....,...... _., //// 1....
. ::.- i= r•-' '-'''= i,..-,...P
Lokichar
TN 0
'41-,i= R ,,000 Is°
'I hl's 8„ a.
II
,.//
.,ehesegon`
o k ;. pesngurl.a•
r oN
aralal Mertl "/
Mate IC,.
IKitale " Kom
Ng ro Mado Gashi
Lumb
rt
KIKUYU
2,0,9
L Nak wk.;
eric5 • "Ny
lorenterto.
Gil 7'
J(IKUY
I 2. 0 Qj`
Kilgoris
P
toBr
Igorie 000
• cc cc
Oro
/t,
Nata ks.
a Loliondo •
k
Banagi Lamu
Namanga
•1
For rooS0 Buy
Longido
Districts on Famine Relief as at 1st January 1962
1,000 NabereraV
Nairobi —
it -
Taita Taita 15.000 n `4„,„
Tana River Pokomo 17.000 ii
4
ii
6,000 io 5' limbo
Turkana
Turkana
/7
0
Ngasumet At hlmoni
total, 391.000
KENYA
FAMINE RELIEF AS AT 31.12.62
• 1 36. 38 .
Irla
„Kokt •,, ,, ,x' L.Steforue UV
• 'g
- \ 0
; • t. tr...
ar.;
of x El Der .....4= tl Roba
+ ,P-P ,,--
X ii
it • x k u=m,. A
Moiale •
•,. • Heilu .A 17
+ is 1,1,xp..14_ . x
9Kaabon •
•J Moyale
g+ Gurar ,:'''
TUR , ((North Horr
•Z• ■\'.7• !P.P,..-:; r:
t 1
MURIJA-afGANTS
k 'x t•••••" Debel
4;tKotido • ss 4 .1 6, t 0 4
Maikonaa Butelu __ El Wa
, El Halo \ , 6 ■ Buna
0 Q =
Camp,„
e 51)
Moroto roe TURKANA Kargi
p 0k,
N;
R
KARASOK,, '1, ''Khorof Harar,k
,','
Tarbal u _
Kattedo
a alal Mart
Kit I Wamba Korn Habaswein
a yr yang.
' Rs
rcher 74,Swomp
Dialing°
Post
• arigst Ett:ringo
.bar
Rumuruti
L' A nIn
K apsab t - ionnAcg on
•
Ravi
Pi.
nn
•
9Tharaka
ric o Aieri
,FORE
.iv . Fo Hall
•. DIST.
olgorien Kothtta •
NAIROBI Endau
Athi River
K tat
chakos MTV DISTRICT
7.
H "5- R voo N
tt" MikunAli
ti 4-
At
t
Nata
CHAKOS DIS
Ka nziku
1
'v y ;; Lc iondo Ikutha
ramen
o n" /-
Lam
Banagi
Namanga
Formosa Boy
Districts on Famine Relief as at 31st Deern e* 1962 Longido
District Tribe Famine Population Marribrui
Malindi
total. 74.510
II ***
0' limbo
Ngasumet imoni
ri
. 38 °
34 Longitude East of Greenwich 36
go*
Drawn and printed by the Survey of Kenya
Crown Copyright Reserved
Kilometres 20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 2W 220 240 260 Kilometres Nairobi 1963