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Kenya's drought eases, but hunger persists

Rain last week helps after four dry seasons; 4.4 million still need food aid

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NAIROBI, Kenya - The Kenya Meteorological Society says rains have ended the country's long drought but aid officials warn that millions of hungry people still need food aid.

Spokesman Ayub Shaka said Monday that drought-stricken areas received enough precipitation last week to indicate that this season's rainfall will not fail. The short rainfall season usually lasts from mid-October to December and the long rains from the beginning of March to the end of May.

Rain has been sparse for the last four seasons. The drought has led to crop failure, deaths of herd animals and widespread hunger.

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World Food Program spokesman Marcus Prior said 4.4 million Kenyans will continue to receive food aid until March.

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