We won't abandon drought stricken Kenyans

Sheikh Ismail Ali speaking at the function. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

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Health CS Aden Duale has reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Kenyans affected by drought.

Speaking in Garissa township during the graduation ceremony of students at Hafsa Bintu Sirin, Duale said the national government was fully aware of the worsening drought situation in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) and was working round the clock to ensure that much-needed assistance reaches affected communities.

“I want to assure all Kenyans, especially those in the ASAL counties that have been ravaged by drought, that the government will not abdicate its role, particularly under the leadership of President William Ruto. The Cabinet has approved over Sh7 billion to make sure all Kenyans who have been affected by drought get assistance,” Duale said.

He noted that between 14 and 15 counties were currently experiencing severe drought conditions, adding that the government had scaled up interventions to cushion communities.

“Enough food will continue to be provided. Water trucking will be enhanced, and hay for our animals will also be made available. I have personally seen my colleagues—the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretaries in charge—moving across the country to ensure that national government interventions are upscaled,” CS Duale said.

The Health Cabinet Secretary used the occasion to call on county governments, development partners, philanthropists and private companies to complement government efforts, noting that the number of people in need continues to rise.

“Our county governments have a very big role to play. The national government has done and continues to do all it can, but now we must also bring on board the private sector, development partners, philanthropists, and private companies. All of us must join hands to ensure that no Kenyan is lost to the current drought, especially as the holy month of Ramadan approaches,” he added.

According to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the drought has affected an estimated 2.1 million people across arid and semi-arid counties.

In a statement issued to newsrooms last week, the Kenya Red Cross Society said eight counties are currently experiencing a critical phase of drought, marked by severe deterioration in nutrition, particularly among children. The counties in the critical category are Turkana, Mandera, Samburu, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit (North Horr and Laisamis), West Pokot (East) and Baringo (Tiaty).

Wajir, Tana River, and West Pokot (West) are classified as being in a serious phase.

The humanitarian agency estimates that about 784,000 children are malnourished, while nearly 300,000 households lack adequate food supplies.

The situation follows three consecutive failed rainy seasons: the October to December 2024 short rains, the March to May 2025 long rains, and the October to December 2025 short rains.

As a result, livestock are trekking longer distances in search of water and pasture, leading to poor body condition and declining milk production. This has weakened household purchasing power and further undermined food and nutrition security.

Last week, Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo said the government was responding decisively to the drought, particularly by cushioning learners and improving school retention in affected areas.