Government Injects Ksh870M to Drought-Affected Households

Families in the driest regions are getting a lifeline as the Government releases Ksh 870.38 million to help those hit hardest by the ongoing drought.

With consecutive seasons of poor rainfall leaving communities struggling to put food on the table, the cash transfers aim to ease immediate hunger and support daily survival.

The funds are being distributed through the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP).

The latest payments cover September, October, and November 2025 and target households in Mandera, Turkana, Wajir, Marsabit, Tana River, Garissa, Isiolo, and Samburu counties.

The programme is intended to help families buy food and basic necessities, maintain stable consumption, and reduce extreme coping strategies, such as selling livestock or skipping meals.

Households affected

County allocations were based on the number of households affected. Turkana received Sh287.31 million for 39,838 households, Marsabit Ksh 151.48 million for 20,388 households, Mandera Ksh 119.35 million for 22,102 households, and Wajir Ksh 103.55 million for 19,175 households. Samburu received Ksh 65.73 million for 8,115 households, Isiolo Ksh 53.66 million for 6,625 households, Garissa Ksh 49.8 million for 9,222 households, and Tana River Ksh 39.5 million for 7,315 households.

Beneficiaries will access the funds through Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank branches, as well as authorised local agents.

Those experiencing difficulties have been advised to visit the nearest bank branch, NDMA county office, or HSNP sub-county office to update their information.

The HSNP is part of the national Inua Jamii Safety Net Programme, implemented by NDMA under the Ministry of East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development. It supports the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by helping vulnerable households withstand climate-related shocks.

NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hared Adan said, “The programme remains a key pillar in reducing hunger, alleviating poverty and strengthening resilience in drought-prone areas.”

The cash transfers are part of a broader early drought response by the Government, complementing other initiatives by humanitarian and development partners to ensure communities in arid counties can survive the current crisis while preparing for future challenges.