The government has intensified oversight of relief food distribution in drought-hit Mandera County amid growing concern over food shortages affecting vulnerable households, with Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku warning of tough action against any diversion of supplies.
Speaking in Banisa Constituency during a national government relief food distribution exercise, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes said the government would not tolerate misuse of humanitarian assistance meant for families facing hunger.
“This food is not for sale. It is meant strictly for families affected by hunger. Anyone found diverting it will face the full force of the law,” Ruku said, adding that fairness and transparency would guide the exercise.
Ruku said the relief programme targets 23 drought-affected counties across the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, with Mandera ranked among the most severely affected due to the prolonged failure of rains.
He stressed that distribution must be carried out equitably across all sub-counties to prevent exclusion and ensure the most vulnerable are reached.
To plug potential loopholes, the Cabinet Secretary said the distribution is being conducted under the supervision of security officers. He urged residents to play an active role in safeguarding the process by reporting any cases of diversion or unfair allocation.
“I want wananchi to remain vigilant and report any wrongdoing. Accountability is key to ensuring this support reaches those who need it most,” he said, noting that he had shared his personal contact details to facilitate direct reporting.
Beyond emergency food support, Ruku announced that the government is preparing to distribute livestock feed to cushion pastoralist communities whose animals are facing starvation as grazing lands dry up.
He reiterated President William Ruto’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and protecting livelihoods, saying the administration has adopted people-centred interventions aimed at ensuring no Kenyan is left behind.
The Cabinet Secretary also used the visit to highlight broader development initiatives, including the National Infrastructure Fund, which he said is expected to unlock development projects and expand economic opportunities, particularly in historically marginalised regions.
During the tour, Ruku inspected Banisa Dam, which has dried up completely, exacerbating water shortages and forcing residents to walk long distances in search of water.
He assured residents that the government is developing a comprehensive and sustainable plan to address the water crisis and guarantee reliable supply.
Ruku also visited families on the outskirts of Banisa town to assess the drought situation firsthand, reiterating that the government is taking proactive measures to enhance food and water security across the 23 ASAL counties.
The relief distribution exercise, carried out under the Special Programmes docket, is aimed at providing emergency humanitarian assistance to vulnerable households.
Ruku was accompanied by Mandera County Woman Representative Ummulkheir Kassim and Banisa MP Ahmed Maalim Hassan.
The worsening drought in Mandera County has heightened pressure on both food and water resources, underscoring the urgency of sustained government intervention.
