Mandera targets 40,000 families in relief food distribution

Governor Mohamed Khalif during the flagging off of food distribution targeting 40,000 vulnerable households /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

The effects of drought have left a dry terrain in Mandera south /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

A family displaced by drought in Elwak town /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Mandera county has launched relief food distribution targeting 40,000 vulnerable households as worsening drought strains livelihoods and pushes thousands of families into food insecurity.

Governor Mohamed Khalif said the initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to cushion communities hardest hit by the prolonged dry spell.

“The prolonged drought has placed significant pressure on livelihoods, reduced access to food, and increased vulnerability among many households. Through this intervention, we aim to provide immediate relief, protect livelihoods, and safeguard the dignity and well-being of our people, especially the most vulnerable members of our communities,” the governor said during the launch.

The relief programme will cover all affected sub-counties and prioritise persons living with disability, orphaned child-headed households, the elderly, and food-insecure families.

Khalif further disclosed that the county has expanded its drought response interventions to reach a total of 56,500 households.

Beyond food distribution, the county has scaled up a multi-sectoral response that includes strengthening early warning systems, expanding water access initiatives, supporting livestock health services and enhancing nutrition and health programmes in collaboration with the national government and humanitarian partners.

Last week, the Kenya Red Cross Society warned that eight counties, including Mandera, are currently experiencing a critical phase marked by severe deterioration in nutrition, particularly among children. Others listed are Turkana, Samburu, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit (North Horr and Laisamis), West Pokot (East), and Baringo (Tiaty).

The humanitarian agency further stated that over two million people across Kenya are facing food insecurity, with about 784,000 children facing malnutrition, while nearly 300,000 households lack adequate food supplies.

The prolonged dry conditions have significantly reduced access to food and water, weakened livestock production, and increased dependency on humanitarian assistance.

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.

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

The crisis follows three consecutive failed rainy seasons — the October–December 2024 short rains, the March–May 2025 long rains and the October–December 2025 short rains.

During a recent tour of the region for the disbursement of NYOTA capital funds, President William Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over claims regarding the government’s drought mitigation efforts.

“You have no moral authority to tell anybody anything on matters of relief food. We gave some people the job to do, but they ended up messing up everything and decided to trade in relief food at the expense of vulnerable families,” President Ruto said.

The President defended his administration’s drought response measures and commended Deputy President Kindiki for ensuring seamless distribution of relief food across all arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) counties.

Speaking in Mandera, Kindiki revealed that substantial funds have been allocated to support affected counties.

“In December, President Ruto authorised Sh2.5 billion for drought response. In January, he again authorised Sh3.5 billion. Yesterday, another Sh4.1 billion was released. In total, we are talking of over Sh10 billion that this administration has released and continues to release on a month-by-month basis until we achieve full recovery,” he said.