The government has started dispatching food and essential supplies to counties grappling with drought, following the poor performance of the recent short rains, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced.
Speaking on Friday in Karen after meeting leaders from Mandera County, Kindiki noted that several arid and semi-arid regions are already showing early signs of food and nutrition stress.
“We have mobilised adequate food and non-food essentials for urgent delivery to parts of the country experiencing shortages as a result of adverse weather and low precipitation in the just-ended short rains,” the Deputy President said.
Pastoralist communities, whose livelihoods depend heavily on livestock, will also receive targeted support to protect their animals. “These areas will be supported with fodder, water and animal offtake to minimise drought-occasioned financial losses to livestock keepers,” Kindiki added.
During the Karen meeting, the Deputy President met Mandera Senator Ali Roba and Members of the National Assembly from the county. He received updates on the situation and discussed coordinated strategies to address the unfolding drought.
“I updated them on the measures the Government has taken to cushion the people of Mandera County and their livestock from the vagaries of drought,” Kindiki said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki with leaders from the Northeastern region at the Karen residency, Nairobi on January 9, 2026.PHOTO/DPCSThe Deputy President’s office confirmed that a multi-agency drought response team will continue monitoring conditions in the affected areas and intensify interventions where needed.
The national relief effort involves collaboration between county governments, the National Drought Management Authority, security agencies, and humanitarian partners.
Northern Kenya and parts of the Eastern region have experienced recurrent droughts in recent years, with forecasts indicating that below-average rainfall may persist in some counties through early 2026.
