Kenya rains unlikely to end food crisis

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 7 (UPI) -- Rains in northeastern Kenya are unlikely to end the African nation's food shortage crisis any time in the near future, aid workers say.

The food crisis is mainly affecting nomadic people in semi-arid regions of the country, U.N. Integrated Regional Information Networks reported Wednesday.

"The rains may be there but that doesn't translate into improved milk availability, food access and food security," said Assumpte Ndumi, a Save the Children nutrition coordinator.

Civilians said they are unable to provide food to their families because of rising prices.

"The price for 1kg (2.2) pounds of (maize meal) is now $1.45. It used to be 80 cents. How can I feed my eight children?" said Mohammed Yakub, assistant chief in the remote village El Ram.

Many livestock have died as a result of serious droughts in past years, a major setback for nomadic pastoralists whose livelihoods depend on the trade of animals, aid agencies said.