Their cattle block the roads as they graze on whatever vegetation they can find. But the more fundamental reason for Kenya's crisis is the policies of the IMF and World Bank. In 1993, under their direction, the Moi government implemented a structural adjustment programme that removed import, price and foreign exchange controls. It has become impossible to cope with the drought in the North and Eastern regions of the country. Electricity is rationed to two hours use per day.
Water supplies are only available a few times a week.
Over half the population of 30 million live below official poverty levels and unemployment is at 50 percent. A further 35,348 people are to lose their jobs in the public sector. Basic health care provision in Kenya is non-existent and one in seven of the population is HIV positive. Primary school enrolment is falling. A recent letter from the Kenyan finance minister to the IMF highlighted worsening poverty and a general deterioration in living standards.