This archive report was first published on 3 November 2021.
As the country grapples with a severe drought, the Kenyan government is set to introduce a cash transfer programme to cushion residents in 23 drought-stricken counties. The programme, which is set to commence next week, will replace the food distribution exercise in a bid to cut transportation costs and enable beneficiaries to buy food of their choice.
According to Principal Secretary Nelson Marwa, the programme will target over 2.5 million people in vulnerable households across the 23 counties. Out of the 23 counties, 13 have been severely hit by drought while 10 are moderately affected.
The Sh558 million cash transfer programme, dubbed the Hunger Safety Net programme, was piloted in four counties in the northern frontier in August this year. So far, over 100,000 families have benefitted from Sh5,400 monthly.
Marwa was speaking in Sajiloni, Kajiado Central, after distributing 200 bags of rice and 100 bags of beans to the locals. Kajiado County has received 3,200 bags of rice and 820 bags of beans to be distributed to residents hard hit by drought in all the 7 sub-counties.
The government has also received 19,000 bags of rice from China, which will be distributed to schools in all the 23 drought-stricken counties in a bid to retain learners. Apart from food donations, the government has already embarked on a livestock off-take programme to cushion pastoralists against the effects of severe drought.
