Gov’t to distribute relief food in arid, semi-arid counties

The government has announced urgent measures to distribute relief food in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) to feed over 1.7 million people.

This comes as the situation is expected to worsen if the projected below-average rainfall between October and December materialises.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku on Monday met with regional and county commissioners from 23 ASAL counties, alongside representatives from the Kenya Meteorological Department and the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in Nairobi, to assess the food security outlook and coordinate a national response.

Citing warnings from both the NDMA and the Met Department, Ruku stated that the government remains proactive and is preparing for a challenging season ahead, and will begin large-scale food relief distributions starting next week.

He said the Ministry of Special Programmes will lead the operation in partnership with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), who have been tasked with identifying the most vulnerable households and ensuring a transparent and fair distribution.

“No Kenyan will starve,” said CS Ruku, emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring food reaches those in need, especially in the most remote and drought-stricken regions.

While emphasizing the importance of accountability in the relief process, the CS noted: “We have all witnessed cases where relief food is distributed indiscriminately at public gatherings, without proper targeting. This defeats the purpose of humanitarian assistance.”

“We will not tolerate the misuse of public resources or the diversion of relief supplies meant for vulnerable families,” added Ruku.

He urged the NGAO team to exercise vigilance and work closely with local communities to sensitise them on disaster preparedness and response.

Recognising past challenges in aid distribution, CS Ruku called for better coordination among humanitarian actors and county governments to avoid duplication and wastage of resources.

He announced that his ministry is finalising a National Relief Assistance Policy, which will strengthen the entire humanitarian assistance chain, from procurement to last-mile delivery,  and enhance transparency and efficiency.

While immediate relief remains the priority, the CS reiterated the government’s long-term strategies to build resilience against future food insecurity.

“These include the construction of multipurpose dams, irrigation schemes, boreholes, and earth dams, as well as the provision of subsidised agricultural inputs to boost food production.”

He also praised the role of humanitarian partners and encouraged county governments to work with local and international organisations to extend the reach of relief efforts.

“Even with the best intentions, the government alone cannot meet all the needs. We must join hands with all willing partners to support this noble cause,” he said.

“We have been given an early warning. We have no excuse not to prepare,” he added.