The onset of the Gu season, from April, is critical for alleviating the severe water shortages in many regions. Food aid deliveries continue to be hindered by insecurity. In the pastoral areas, the short rains are crucial for the replenishment of water supplies and regeneration of pastures after the dry season, while in the rest of these provinces crops from the short rains provide the bulk of food supplies. The worst affected districts include Turkana, Mandera, Moyale, Garissa, Kajiado, Machakos, Mbeere, Kitui, Wajir, Mwingi, Tana River, Marsabit, Isiolo, Baringo, Samburu, West Pokot, Makueni, and Tharaka Nithi. Official estimates indicate maize output of about 2.1 million tonnes compared to 2.44 million tonnes in 1998 and 2.5 million tonnes average over the previous five years.
Prospects are uncertain due to erratic and insufficient rains so far.
Prices of maize, the key staple of the country, have increased sharply in most parts affecting access to food for a large number of people. Recent reports indicate that a the country will need to import about 2.5 million tonnes of maize in the year 2000. Prices of cereals are unseasonably high. Planting of the 2000 cereal crops will start in June. The 1999 cereal and pulse output was poor due to drought and delayed sowing.