The government has stepped in to provide emergency aid to Kilifi County as a worsening drought leaves thousands of residents facing severe food and water shortages.
The extended dry spell has devastated agricultural activities, particularly in areas like Ganze, which have been hardest hit. Families are struggling to cope with the severe impacts of the drought.
Cabinet Secretary for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), Beatrice Moe, led the launch of the Drought Response Interventions initiative in Mryachakwe village. During the event, 40,000 liters of water, 300 bags of rice, and 270 bags of beans were distributed to hundreds of affected residents.
Speaking at the event, CS Moe, alongside ASAL Principal Secretary Kello Harsama, assured residents that the government would provide monthly food supplies and deliver 40,000 liters of water each week until the situation improves.
“We are here to ensure that during this difficult period, we provide immediate relief through food distribution, while we hope for better conditions ahead,” said Moe.
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) reports that the severe drought has affected 80,000 people in Kilifi County, with Ganze sub-county bearing the brunt of the crisis.
In a significant development, Moe announced that Kilifi County will now be included in the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP), enabling vulnerable families to access relief through this initiative.
“This county was previously excluded from the Hunger Safety Net Programme. We are now identifying the most affected families who will benefit from the program,” she added.
To address the long-term impacts of drought, the government also outlined plans to build water pans and dams in Kilifi to capture rainwater, offering a sustainable solution for future drought mitigation.
CS Moe called on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other partners to join in relief efforts, emphasizing the need for coordinated action to combat the worsening drought.
Beyond hunger, the drought has severely threatened livestock, which many Kilifi residents rely on for their livelihoods.
PS Harsama reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining these interventions to prevent any loss of life due to the drought.
“We guarantee that food supplies will be provided monthly as part of the ASAL support program,” Harsama said. “Additionally, we will station two water trucks here to ensure a weekly supply of water to every household, mitigating the impact of the water shortage.”
The government’s intervention has offered a glimmer of hope to the affected residents of Kilifi, though addressing the widespread drought will require collective action from all stakeholders.
The ongoing drought in Kilifi highlights the broader climate crisis facing many regions of Kenya, underscoring the urgent need to build resilience in communities most vulnerable to extreme weather.
