As millions of Kenyans in arid and semi-arid regions continue to struggle with food shortages, the government has asked Parliament to approve an additional Ksh 19.9 billion to strengthen drought response and emergency relief efforts.
The State Department for Special Programmes told lawmakers that the country is facing rising humanitarian pressure due to repeated drought cycles, failed rains and worsening climate-related shocks that have left many households without food, water and stable livelihoods.
Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Regional Development on Wednesday, State Department Principal Secretary Ismail Maalim Madey said the current budget for emergency food relief was far too low to meet the growing need across affected counties.
He warned that the department’s response capacity was being stretched as more vulnerable households continue to require assistance in drought-hit areas.
Madey told the committee that relief assistance remains the department’s core mandate, but the current allocation of Ksh 162.8 million for emergency relief is insufficient to meet rising demand driven by recurrent droughts.
The session was chaired by Pokot South MP Peter Lochakapong, who noted concerns over worsening hunger in several counties and challenges in getting relief food to the final beneficiaries.
The PS also said the government had already invoked Article 223 of the Constitution during the current financial year, allowing it to spend Ksh 12.65 billion in emergency drought interventions.
He added that underfunding could limit timely responses, humanitarian operations, and support for vulnerable communities already facing acute food insecurity.
The department is seeking Ksh 14 billion for emergency relief operations and an additional Ksh 5 billion to support and maintain the Strategic Food Reserve, which currently has no dedicated budget.
Madey said the reserve plays a key role in national disaster preparedness but cannot function effectively without funding for maintenance and operations.
 Prolonged drought
Kenya has in recent years experienced prolonged drought conditions, especially in northern and coastal ASAL counties, where livestock losses and water shortages have deepened poverty and hunger. Humanitarian agencies have also reported rising dependency on relief food as climate shocks persist.
The PS also highlighted internal operational challenges, including staffing shortages and limited capacity within the department. He said only nine technical officers are currently in post against an approved establishment of 62, affecting efficiency in programme delivery.
MPs from across the political divide supported the appeal, saying the department remains central to Kenya’s disaster response despite long-standing financial constraints.
Committee chairperson Peter Lochakapong raised concern over logistical gaps in food distribution, particularly after relief supplies reach local administrative offices.
He noted that weak last-mile delivery systems sometimes force communities to shoulder transport costs, which affects efficiency in reaching remote areas.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba praised the department for delivering relief support fairly, especially to vulnerable communities in informal settlements.
Embu Woman Representative Pamela Njeru criticised the continued underfunding of the department, saying agencies dealing with vulnerable populations should be adequately supported.
Banisa MP Ali Maalim Hassan defended previous interventions by the department, saying they helped prevent a deeper humanitarian crisis during past drought cycles.
The appeal now places pressure on Parliament and the National Treasury to boost funding for drought response and food security as climate-related shocks continue to worsen across the country.
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