Mandera residents get crucial supplies as drought bites

Businessman Haji Samow handing over foodstuffs to Mandera locals./HANDOUT

Amid a biting drought and acute water scarcity in northern Kenya, a story of hope and compassion is unfolding in Mandera County.

As prolonged dry spells continue to parch vast swathes of the arid county, thousands of families are grappling with shrinking water sources, dying livestock, and rising food insecurity.

But amid the hardship, businessman Haji Samow is turning personal success into community relief, bringing life-saving support to some of the most vulnerable households.

For over two months, Haji Samow has been financing continuous water-trucking initiatives across Mandera West, Banisa, and Mandera South constituencies.

Locals display their acquired food items donated by Mandera businessman Haji Samow to cushion them against the ravaging hunger/HANDOUT 

In areas where boreholes have dried up and shallow wells have turned saline, residents say the intervention has restored hope.

Local elders in Mandera West say the initiative has also helped reduce tensions often triggered by competition over scarce water resources.

“Water scarcity has been a major source of stress in our communities,” said a resident.

The businessman has extended his support beyond water relief. Over the past four days, he has toured Elwak, Shibir Fatuma, Banisa, Gither, and Takaba, launching a Ramadan food distribution programme aimed at ensuring needy families prepare for iftar with dignity.

Hundreds of households have received essential food supplies, including rice, flour, cooking oil, sugar, and dates — a timely intervention that is putting smiles on faces across the region.

“No family should break their fast without food,” Haji Samow said during one of the distribution exercises in Elwak.

He added, “Ramadan is a time of compassion, sharing, and reflection. If we are blessed, it is our responsibility to stand with those who are struggling.”

Religious leaders in Mandera have praised the gesture, noting that it reflects the true spirit of the holy month.

Northern Kenya has faced recurring drought cycles in recent years, with climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of dry seasons.

In Mandera, pastoralist families have been among the hardest hit, as water sources shrink and livestock — their primary source of livelihood — weaken.

Residents now hope that more leaders, both in government and the private sector, will step forward to complement humanitarian efforts and invest in long-term solutions such as sustainable water infrastructure.