{UAH} Standard Digital News : : Business - Kenyans flock to Uganda in search of water, pasture

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000102180/kenyans-flock-to-uganda-in-search-of-water-pasture

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Standard Digital News : : Business

Kenyan Pokot pastoralists are migrating toUganda in search of better pasture and water for their cattle following prevailing drought in Pokot County in northwest Kenya.

Officials from the county disclosed thatUganda has accepted a request by Pokot pastoralists to access pasture and water in Amudat district east of the country. Kacheliba MP Mark Lomunakol negotiated the grazing deal with Uganda lawmaker Micah Lolem, representing Amudat area.

The dangerous heat waves and high temperatures is threatening the lives of thousands of cattle, prompting local tribal leaders led by Lomunakol to approachUgandan authorities to allow the pastoralists access grazing fields and water points in the county. Lomunakol said several Pokot pastoralists affected by the dry spell have started to cross the border to Uganda in search of pasture and water to save their cattle threatened with imminent death.

The MPs aid water sources including water pans in the county have dried up and there is no grass due to lack of rains. Kenya's weathermen have warned of a hot period during January and poor crop performance in various parts of the country.

 Lomunakol named Kasei, Ombolion, Alale, Takawa and Konyao as some of the affected areas where lack of pasture and water is frustrating herders.                              

 —Xinhua

Standard Digital News : : Business - Kenyans flock to Uganda in search of water, pasture
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000102180/kenyans-flock-to-uganda-in-search-of-water-pasture