Mwai Kibaki

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.