After meeting Kenyan Finance Minister Amos Kimunya, Rato said he "noted with deep concern the reports of immediate food insecurity in parts of Kenya and appreciated Minister Kimunya's assessment of the drought implications".

"Against this background, I urge the international donor community to respond generously and pro-actively in addressing the food needs of Kenya's people," the IMF managing-director said in a statement.

"It will be critical to respond in a timely manner to avoid the human tragedies and adverse economic consequences that have all too often been associated with droughts in the past."

The United Nations food agency says it is officially co-ordinating feeding programmes for 3,5 million people in Kenya, although Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki said last week five million face food shortages.

A total of 11 million people in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti are at risk of starving because of food shortages triggered by the severe drought, according to the UN.

Rato said the IMF was encouraging the Kenyan government to free up funds for drought relief under its Fund-mandated fiscal programme.

-Nampa-AFP

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