Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has cautioned grassroots leaders in drought-affected counties against misusing or diverting resources meant to support Kenyans facing drought. He spoke in Tana River County on Saturday, February 22. The national government released Ksh778 million to 133,000 people in eight counties.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku spoke in Tana River County on Saturday, February 22, stressing the need to ensure that relief food reaches Kenyans in need. He warned grassroots leaders, including chiefs and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), against diverting or misusing these resources.
According to a statement from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday, February 19, the funds have been disbursed under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) to the counties of Mandera, Turkana, Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa, Tana River, Isiolo, and Samburu. Each household is set to receive Ksh2,700, with a total of Ksh778 million reaching 133,000 people.
The NDMA described the fund release as timely, noting that 3.3 million people across 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties are currently facing food insecurity. "Reduced pasture and browse, declining milk production, elevated food prices, and intensifying water scarcity are eroding household resilience in drought-affected areas," the NDMA stated.
NDMA reports indicate that the number of people in need could rise if the March-May rains underperform. Ruku emphasized that local leaders must ensure proper distribution of aid to support communities grappling with these challenges.