Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has declared the food shortages ravaging the country a national disaster.
Mr. Kibaki made the announcement Sunday during a New Year's Day speech. He says nearly 2.5 million people will need food aid, which he estimates will cost more than $150 million.
At least 20 people and thousands of livestock have died as a result of a drought and famine.
Officials say thousands of prisoners planned to skip their annual New Year's lunch so the food could go to those affected by the famine.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
