"To ensure that we have adequate interventions on the ground, I am declaring the famine a national disaster," Kibaki said in a New Year's Day speech to the country.

Some 2.5 million people in the country's northeastern, eastern and coastal regions are in need of food aid which the government estimates will cost some 11 billion shillings (150 million dollars, 130 million euros).

"I renew my appeal to both our local and international friends and partners to join the government in extending a helping hand to our brothers and sisters who are experiencing this difficult situation," Kibaki said.

Declaring a national disaster "is a wise move by the government as it gives it the power to utilise all the available resources," said Farid Abdulkadir, chief of disaster operations of the Kenyan Red Cross Society (KCRS) which is coordinating the relief distribution.

Relief efforts have intensified in the drought-affected areas with the government dispatching the army last month to help distribute supplies.

"So far the distribution is going on well," Abdulkadir said, adding that more people were responding to appeals with cash and kind donations.

He said food had been distributed in 17 districts in Wajir, Mandera and Marsabit in the north and that these areas had received some 100 metric tonnes of food as well as 373,000 dollars (315,000 euros) from local and international donors.

At least 20 people and hundreds of livestock have died as a result of the drought and severe food shortage.

In neighbouring Tanzania, President Jakaya Kikwete warned that his country may be faced with food shortages in the coming months owing to dismal rains.

"Many parts of the country have received inadequate rainfall and food shortage is now looming," Kikwete said in his New Year's message.

"Because of the drought we expect poor harvest in the short rains season which accounts for 30 percent of annual food stock," he said, urging citizens to use available stocks carefully.

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