The 2023 world 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo has joined the fight against recurring drought in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), rallying support for communities in Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia and Meru counties.
The international distance runner was unveiled as the ambassador for the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) Road Race for Peace and Resilience 2026, a campaign aimed at mobilising resources for drought resilience projects in the four counties.
Born and raised in Baragoi, Samburu County, Ebenyo said his childhood experiences of walking 24 kilometres to school through drought and insecurity continue to drive his commitment to improving the lives of people in the region.
“I stand here today not only as an international athlete but also as a son of Samburu and of Kenya’s ASALs. I know what it means to walk long distances to school amid drought and insecurity because I lived that reality. Those journeys shaped my character and discipline, and ultimately my career,” said Ebenyo.
Years of recurring drought have left communities across the four counties struggling with water shortages, livestock losses and disrupted livelihoods, while many children continue to spend hours searching for water instead of attending school.
The NDMA estimates that more than 5,000 households, over 30,000 people and more than 50,000 livestock remain vulnerable to the combined effects of drought and insecurity.
To address the challenge, the authority is seeking to raise Sh130.8 million to fund community-prioritised projects that will improve access to water, strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, restore degraded ecosystems and promote peace.
The inaugural NDMA Road Race for Peace and Resilience will be held on August 8 in Archers Post, Samburu County, as the flagship fundraising and awareness event. The authority is calling on government agencies, county governments, the private sector, development partners, civil society organisations and the public to support the initiative.
Ebenyo said he hopes his journey from Samburu to the world stage will inspire both generosity and resilience.
“This Road Race is about much more than running. It is about ensuring that future generations spend their time learning rather than walking long distances for water. It is about protecting livelihoods, promoting peace and giving hope to every child growing up in our drylands. If my journey can inspire even one young person to keep believing in their dreams, this responsibility will have been worthwhile.”
NDMA Chief Executive Officer Lt Col (Rtd) Hared Adan said the initiative reflects a shift from responding to drought emergencies to investing in long-term resilience.
“For far too long, drought has been seen solely as a humanitarian crisis. Today, we are changing that narrative. Drought is a development challenge, an economic challenge, a peace and security challenge, and increasingly a business continuity challenge. Building resilience is therefore a shared responsibility.”
NDMA Board Chairman Shallow Yahya said Ebenyo’s personal story makes him an authentic voice for the campaign.
“Every movement needs an authentic voice. Daniel Ebenyo’s life story reflects the resilience we seek to cultivate. He walked 24 kilometres to school through drought and hardship before becoming one of the world’s finest athletes. His journey reminds us that resilience can transform lives when opportunity meets determination.”
Ebenyo also signed a Commitment Charter, pledging to champion drought resilience, promote peace, mobilise public participation and advocate partnerships that improve livelihoods across Kenya’s drylands.
The Road Race supports the Government’s Ending Drought Emergencies (EDE) agenda and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, with NDMA urging all Kenyans to participate and help build resilient, peaceful and prosperous communities.
