Kenya's government has launched a multi-pronged relief effort to address food insecurity affecting 2.8 million people in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) counties, according to Government spokesperson Col (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna.
Oguna announced the distribution of 55,000 rice bags, 42,000 bean bags, and 220 meat cartons to vulnerable households in 23 ASAL counties during a visit to Bura East Sub County, Garissa. The aid complements cash transfers, the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP), and livestock support initiatives aimed at preventing drought-related fatalities.
"This is a temporary measure to save lives," Oguna stated. "We are prioritizing those without mobile phones or reliable network access, with NGAO officers ensuring they receive relief food while awaiting cash transfers." The government emphasized local procurement of relief supplies to stimulate economic activity.
Garissa County Commissioner Boaz Cherutich urged community oversight, warning against diversion of aid. "Severe penalties will apply to those misusing relief food," he said. The county has already disbursed Sh102 million in cash transfers to 34,000 households, with 9,252 families set to receive Sh5,400 every two months through HSNP.
The HSNP, first implemented in 2009 in Mandera, Wajir, Turkana, and Marsabit, now extends to Garissa, Isiolo, Tana River, and Samburu. Additional measures include livestock feed distribution and purchase of weak animals by the Kenya Meat Commission to protect pastoralists.
