US embassy cable - 04ROME2967

UNCLAS  ROME 002967 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME 
 
USAID FOR AA/DCHA WINTER, DCHA/FFP LANDIS 
 
 
STATE FOR PRM/BROTHERS-JACKSON, IO/EDA KOTOK, EB/TPP/BTT 
MALAC, AF/E 
USDA/FAS FOR CHAMBLISS 
GENEVA FOR USAID/KYLOH 
BRUSSELS FOR LERNER 
NSC FOR JMELINE 
 
E.O. 12958:   N/A 
TAGS: EAID, EAGR, PREF, KE, WFP, UNHCR 
SUBJECT: WFP EMERGENCY APPEAL FOR KENYA 
 
1. Summary.  WFP is soliciting contributions for its 
new emergency operation (EMOP), "Food Assistance to 
Drought-affected People in Kenya," covering the 
period from August 1, 2004 through January 31, 2005. 
The estimated cost of $42.9 million would provide 
166,000 metric tons of commodities for 2.3 million 
beneficiaries.  In addition to a drought that is 
causing maize shortages, Kenya is contending with 
outbreaks of aflatoxin, a naturally occurring 
mycotoxin found in drought-stricken grains, and 
potential complications surrounding its policies on 
genetically modified food.  End summary. 
 
------------------------------- 
Drought-induced Maize Shortages 
------------------------------- 
 
2. WFP's emergency appeal is largely attributable to 
the failure of the "short rains" from October 
through December 2003 and the erratic "long rains" 
from March through May 2004.  In most of the Coast 
and Eastern provinces, approximately 80 to 95 
percent of the maize crop has wilted completely. 
June 2004 maize prices were 50 to 80 percent higher 
than the average during the last drought from 1999 
through 2002.  On July 14, 2004, President Kibaki 
declared a national emergency and appealed for 
international assistance. 
 
3. WFP's emergency appeal is being coordinated 
closely with the GOK.  During the period from 
January to June 2004, the GOK has provided a total 
of 31,134 MT of commodities to drought-affected 
populations.  The magnitude of the current emergency 
means that GOK resources are insufficient by 
thmselves to meet relief needs.  Accordingly, with 
WFP, the Ministry of Education, Science and 
Techology (MOEST) will coordinate food distribution 
ad carry out monitoring and reporting of the school 
feeding programs.  Note: GOK was very concerned 
about the reduction in US McGovern-Dole funding, ut 
fortunately, additional donors have been idenified. 
End note. 
 
4. A short rains assessment wll be conducted in 
December 2004 to determine whther continued 
emergency relief assistance is neessary.  Following 
the assessment, WFP will redue rations in some 
areas, general food distributin will be shifted to 
food-for-work, and other ares phased out under the 
EMOP altogether. 
 
------------------------- 
Recent Aflatoxin Outbreaks 
-------------------------- 
 
5. As of June 22, 204, 275 cases and 112 deaths 
have occurred from resumed aflatoxin poisoning and 
contaminated maiz in Kenya's Eastern and Central 
Provinces, accoring to a joint report issued by the 
Kenya Ministy of Health, the US Centers for Disease 
Control nd Prevention, US Foreign Agricultural 
Service, nd US Food and Drug Administration on July 
5, 200. 
 
6. Earlier preliminary data in June and earlyJuly 
led field team representatives to conduct asurvey 
of maize products from agricultural markes and 
outlets affected by aflatoxin. 
 
7. Surve results indicate that there is widespread 
aflatoin contamination of maize distributed and 
sold i both Machakos and Thika Districts.  In the 
Makuni District 65 percent of the samples had 
levelsof aflatoxin above 20 parts per billion, the 
uppr limit accepted under Kenyan standards. 
 
8. According to the joint report, further studies 
will be necessary to determine the source of 
contaminated maize.  In addition, without immediate 
replacement of available maize with clean food, the 
 
aflatoxin outbreak, one of the largest ever reported 
in the world, is expected to continue.  The logistic 
capacity to deal with the provision of maize and 
destruction of current stock is not in place. 
 
----------------------------------------- 
Potential Complications Over Biotech Food 
----------------------------------------- 
 
9. USUN Rome has been informed by WFP that, although 
the official position of the GOK is negative 
regarding biotech food, WFP has been assured by 
highly placed representatives of the GOK that no 
questions will be raised on food aid imported for 
the emergency drought operation. 
 
----------------------------- 
Comments from Ambassador Hall 
----------------------------- 
 
10. WFP's emergency appeal deserves serious 
consideration.  We welcome the cooperation between WFP 
and the GOK, particularly in these times when Kenya faces 
serious food-related difficulties.  Temporary emergency 
food aid can help stabilize the lives and livelihoods of 
2.3 million of Kenya's most vulnerable people.  Hall 
 
 
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 2004ROME02967 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED