Gov’t disburses Ksh6 Billion for drought mitigation, pledges monthly Ksh4 Billion support

The National Government has disbursed more than Ksh6 billion over the past month to support drought mitigation efforts across affected regions, Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has announced.

The funds will been used to finance critical interventions, including the distribution of food and non-food items, medical supplies, and water to vulnerable communities hit hard by the ongoing drought.

Speaking during the 14th Development Partnership Forum held at the Official Residence in Karen, Prof Kithure said the government will allocate an additional Ksh4 billion every month to sustain the drought response. He also appealed to development partners to continue supporting the government’s efforts to address food insecurity and related challenges.

According to the government, at least 2.1 million people are currently food insecure across the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). Between August and December last year, the government, working in partnership with humanitarian and development partners, reached approximately 1.4 million people through food assistance, cash transfers, water provision, medical supplies, and targeted interventions for children at risk of malnutrition.

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To enhance coordination, national and county steering committees on drought response have been activated. These committees bring together the National and County Governments, development partners, humanitarian organizations, and the private sector to deliver a coordinated, whole-of-society response to the food and nutrition crisis.

DP Kindiki noted that sustained collaboration between the government and its partners has enabled the implementation of comprehensive policies and strategies aimed at combating climate change, strengthening community resilience, reducing vulnerability, and promoting sustainable development in climate-sensitive and drought-prone areas. He said the approach seeks to balance immediate humanitarian assistance with long-term resilience building and climate adaptation.

The forum was attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Development Partnership Forum co-chairs Ambassador Sebastian Groth of Germany and Dr. Stephen Jackson, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Cabinet and Principal Secretaries, ambassadors and heads of mission, representatives of development partners, and members of the Council of Governors led by Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi.

By Obegi Malack

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