The government has rolled out a Sh6 billion drought response package aimed at safeguarding food security and protecting livestock in counties affected by prolonged dry conditions, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said.
Speaking during the 14th Development Partners Forum held in Nairobi, Kindiki said the funds are already being deployed to support emergency food assistance, water provision and livestock protection measures in more than 20 affected counties, most of them in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions.
“The government has made arrangements to make sure that we provide enough food to all the affected people and also to save their livestock from demise because of the drought,” Kindiki said, assuring Kenyans that systems are in place to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
The Deputy President said the Sh6 billion allocation forms part of a broader financing framework designed to ensure a sustained response as the drought persists.
In addition to the initial allocation, he said the government has committed further monthly funding to maintain relief operations.
“The Government is also committing Sh4 billion every month and is asking for increased assistance from the development partners and other role players to ensure that the drought situation is comprehensively dealt with,” he said.
The DP said the additional Sh2 billion government is seeking from development partners will help cover the Sh6 billion monthly budget.
Kindiki noted that the funds are being used to procure food supplies, pre-position water and medical supplies, and support livestock survival through the distribution of hay and vaccines.
He said protecting livestock is critical to sustaining livelihoods in drought-prone areas.
He called on development partners to complement government efforts, saying collaboration is key to ensuring that assistance reaches all affected communities in a timely manner.
The drought has affected over 20 counties, with ASAL regions experiencing the most severe impact.
However, the Deputy President acknowledged that the effects are increasingly being felt in non-ASAL counties through rising food prices, water shortages and disruptions to livelihoods.
Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi welcomed the government’s intervention but warned that the situation remains fragile.
“While ASAL counties are the most affected, non-ASAL counties are experiencing spill-over effects through rising food prices, water stress and livelihood disruptions,” Abdullahi said.
He urged swift disbursement of funds and close coordination between national and county governments to prevent further deterioration.
The Development Partners Forum brought together senior government officials, governors and international partners to review the drought response and mobilise additional support.
The meeting was co-chaired by United Nations Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson and Germany’s Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth.
Also present were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, ambassadors and representatives of various development agencies.
The government reiterated its commitment to using the Sh6 billion allocation transparently and effectively, saying the focus remains on protecting lives, livelihoods and economic stability as dry conditions continue.
