UAE delivers 30-tonnes of relief to aid drought-hit Kenyans

Health CS Aden Duale among other leaders receiving relief food consignment on February 17, 2026/ HANDOUT

The United Arab Emirates has donated a 30-ton consignment of humanitarian relief cargo to support drought-affected communities in Kenya’s Northeastern region.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale received the shipment on Tuesday, describing the intervention as timely support for vulnerable households grappling with prolonged drought and food insecurity.

The consignment, largely comprising dates, will be distributed to affected families through the Kenya Red Cross Society.

Duale said the relief will prioritise households hardest hit by successive failed rains in arid and semi-arid areas.

The donation is part of the UAE’s wider humanitarian outreach aimed at strengthening food security in vulnerable regions, particularly during the holy month of Ramadhan, when demand for basic food items typically rises among low-income families.

Duale was joined at the handover ceremony by Head of Consular Affairs and International ServicesOsama Abuseem, Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Ahmed Idris, and SUPKEM Regional Coordinator for North Eastern Adan Ibrahim.

They expressed appreciation for the support, noting that humanitarian partnerships remain critical in cushioning drought-affected populations as the country continues to face climate-related shocks.

Last week, the Kenya Red Cross Society warned that eight counties are currently experiencing a critical phase marked by severe deterioration in nutrition, particularly among children.

Counties listed are Mandera, 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.

Mandera County 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.