Livestock headers in Mandera feeding their animals fodder./STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
Governor Mohamed Khalif during the launch of animal feed distribution program. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
Governor Mohamed Khalif [second right] during the launch of the animal feed distribution program. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
Goats and sheep eating fodder provided by the county of Mandera. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
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The Mandera government is distributing livestock feed to safeguard livelihoods and strengthen long-term food security for pastoral communities amid drought in the county.

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A significant number of livestock have already died due to the drought. Governor Mohamed Khalif while launching the feed distribution said it will improve the health of the remaining animals, many of which are weak and emaciated.

The governor said there were other livestock feed distribution programmes running concurrently with the one he launched and that all were geared towards salvaging the remaining herds and cushioning pastoralist from further losses.

He asked well-wishers and those with means to donate food to deserving households.

Khalif said relief food is strictly intended for those who have been adversely affected by the drought.

“Even as we work hard to assist our people, we want to reiterate that this relief is only meant for those who have been adversely affected. Those should be the real beneficiaries,” Khalif said.

The governor said his administration was committed to mobilising more resources and strengthening partnerships to cushion residents from the harsh effects of the drought.

“I want to assure our people that we will do everything that is humanly possible to make sure that we reach our people in all corners of the county. This we will do with the help of both the national and county governments as well as donors and partners who continue doing a good job which we don’t take for granted,” he said.

The county government is trucking water to 299 sites, 95 of which are designated for livestock use, in a bid to address shortages.

The drought has caused severe pasture and water scarcity, forcing herders to trek long distances in search of grazing fields. A lot of livestock have died along the way.

Carcasses of cows, goats, and sheep dot open grazing fields and rangelands across several subcounties, underscoring the devastating toll of the drought.

Mandera is among the regions classified in the critical phase of drought, with thousands of households facing starvation.

Two weeks ago, Khalif launched the 2025/2026 Sh450 million county bursary allocation, noting that the fund comes at a critical time when households are grappling with the economic strain caused by the drought.

“Many parents are struggling to meet basic needs, let alone pay school fees. By launching this bursary today, we are easing that burden and enabling families to keep their children in school without having to choose between education and survival,” he said.