Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government has released Sh6 billion to address the drought affecting more than 20 counties, saying sustained funding and joint action with partners will be key to protecting lives and livelihoods.
Kindiki spoke on Wednesday while co-chairing the 14th Development Partners Forum at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, where he told development partners that the State is also committing Sh2 billion every month to support food assistance and livestock protection efforts.
“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. There should be no panic in the country,” he said.
The Deputy President said the drought has largely affected Arid and Semi-Arid areas but warned that its impact is now being felt across the country, calling for stronger cooperation to manage the situation.
He said the government is already taking action to reduce the effects of the dry spell and is asking development partners and other stakeholders to scale up their support to ensure the response reaches all affected areas.
“The Government is also committing 2 billion shillings 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 stated.
Prof. Kindiki said part of the response includes putting together enough hay, vaccines and water to prevent the loss of livestock, which remains a major source of income for communities in drought-hit regions.
Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi urged quick intervention, warning that delays could worsen the situation as the effects of the drought extend beyond ASAL counties.
“While ASAL counties are the most affected. Non-ASAL counties are experiencing spill-over effects through rising food prices, water stress and livelihood disruptions,” he said.
The forum brought together government leaders and development partners to review the drought response and agree on areas of support.
Those in attendance included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, United Nations Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson who co-chaired the forum, Germany Ambassador Sebastian Groth who also co-chaired, members of the Council of Governors led by Ahmed Abdullahi, ambassadors and representatives from various development agencies.
