Mandera intensifies drought relief support as heavens open up

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The Mandera government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding livelihoods by providing timely assistance to communities severely affected by drought.

The county on Saturday ramped up its relief food distribution to vulnerable households, promising residents that more assistance was on the way.

Chief officer for disaster preparedness and special programmes Fatuma Mohamed said the county was working closely with the national government and development partners to ensure residents receive the support they need.

Fatuma led a county team to Takaba, Gither, Lagsure, Dandu, Kiliwehiri, Banisa, and Guba wards to oversee relief food distribution.

They also verified the list of beneficiary lists to ensure assistance reached drought-affected households in a transparent and accountable manner.

“The government is undertaking a robust supervision, monitoring, and assessment exercise of the ongoing drought situation and the relief food distribution targeting over 40,000 households affected by the intensifying dry conditions across the county,” Fatuma said.

She was accompanied by Abdimalik Mohamud Adan, the deputy director for special programs and disaster risk management at the national government, and Ibrahim Hillow, who is the deputy director for special programmes at the county government.

Fatuma said the county will continue collaborating with sub-county teams, religious leaders, and community representatives to ensure food support reaches the most vulnerable households, including persons with disabilities.

Mandera has been listed among counties in the critical phase of drought and remains one of the most affected regions. The situation prompted both the national government and humanitarian agencies to step up support for the border county.

The drought has severely strained livelihoods, depleted household food stocks, and increased community vulnerability, making timely intervention essential.

However, residents have recently breathed a sigh of relief after rains pounded several parts of the region over the past week, breaking a dry spell that had pushed communities to the brink.

For months, families across the vast plains of neighbouring Wajir County watched helplessly as their livestock grew weaker and water sources dried up following three consecutive failed rain seasons.

Two weeks ago, Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif launched a livestock feed distribution drive aimed at safeguarding livelihoods and strengthening long-term food security for pastoral communities affected by drought.

A significant number of livestock have already died due to the harsh conditions. While launching the feed distribution program, the governor said the intervention would improve the health of the remaining animals, many of which are weak and emaciated.