The Government in Nairobi has declared the food crisis a national disaster.
Food stocks are running low and erratic rains have left crops stunted.
The UN says assistance is urgently needed for families in several rural districts in Kenya. The Kenyan Government says up to 60 per cent of crops have failed in five provinces across the country.
The worst-affected areas include the normally fertile Rift Valley. A joint report by the Kenyan Government and the UN estimates that food aid will be needed until at least January next year.
The priority for the emergency operation will be up to 500,000
By Africa correspondent Sally Sara 11 August 04
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