State releases Sh870m to support drought-affected families in ASAL counties

NDMA CEO Hared Adan (at the back with white shirt) witnesses as a beneficiary receives her money.

The funds are being disbursed through the National Drought Management Authority under the Hunger Safety Net Programme, providing critical cash transfers to affected families.

Observing payments at a disbursement point in Afwein, Lagdera subcounty, Garissa county, NDMA chief executive Hared Adan said the initiative targets households in eight counties—Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Garissa and Tana River—where food security continues to decline following successive poor rainfall seasons.

“Through these cash transfers, the government aims to boost household purchasing power, reduce harmful coping mechanisms, stabilise food consumption and safeguard livelihoods during the prolonged dry spell,” Adan said.

He emphasised that social protection measures remain central to preventing further deterioration of food and nutrition security among the most vulnerable.

In Garissa county alone, 9,222 households have benefited from the current payment cycle, receiving Sh49,798,800.

The assistance is arriving at a critical time, as repeated droughts have severely weakened household purchasing power.

Beyond helping families meet immediate food and basic needs, the programme is also stimulating local economies.

At Afwein centre, trader Abdi Billow said that beneficiaries spend the money on essentials such as rice, sugar, powdered milk and soap, while some use it to settle outstanding shop debts, restoring their ability to buy goods on credit.

Payments are being made through Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank branches, as well as authorised agents across the counties.

Beneficiaries facing challenges accessing funds are encouraged to visit their nearest bank branch, NDMA county office, or HSNP subcounty office to update their information and ensure timely payment.

“This disbursement demonstrates the government’s resolve to shield the most vulnerable from the harsh effects of drought,” Adan said, adding that HSNP support preserves both livelihoods and dignity.

Instant analysis

The government’s Sh 870 million cash transfer to 132,780 households in Asal regions highlights a pragmatic approach to drought mitigation, combining immediate relief with social protection. By targeting the most vulnerable counties through the Hunger Safety Net Programme, the initiative not only addresses urgent food and basic needs but also stabilises local economies, as beneficiaries spend on essentials and repay shop debts. In regions where repeated poor rainfall has eroded purchasing power, timely cash injections prevent harmful coping mechanisms and protect livelihoods. Sustained investment in such programmes, coupled with broader drought resilience measures, remains critical to safeguarding food security and community stability.