Kenyan Government Releases KSh870m to Drought-Hit Families as Food Crisis Deepens in Arid Counties
The Kenyan government has released KSh870.38 million to support more than 132,000 vulnerable households in drought-stricken regions, as authorities intensify efforts to cushion families against worsening food insecurity caused by prolonged dry conditions.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 16, 2026, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that the funds were disbursed under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP), targeting households across eight arid and semi-arid counties hardest hit by consecutive seasons of failed rainfall.
The beneficiaries are drawn from Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Garissa, and Tana River counties, regions where food security indicators have continued to deteriorate amid persistent drought conditions.
“The Government, through the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), has disbursed KSh 870.38 million to 132,780 vulnerable households under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) across eight arid counties,” the authority said.
“This intervention is part of ongoing efforts to cushion vulnerable populations against the impacts of the prevailing drought.”
Counties hardest hit as Turkana receives largest share
According to NDMA, the cash transfers cover stipends for the September, October, and November 2025 payment cycles, with allocations varying based on the number of registered beneficiary households in each county.
Turkana County, one of the areas most affected by chronic drought, received the largest share at KSh287.3 million, benefiting 39,838 households.
This was followed by Marsabit County, which received KSh151.5 million for 20,388 households, and Mandera County, which was allocated KSh119.3 million to support 22,102 households.
Other disbursements included:
- Wajir County – KSh103.5 million for 19,175 households
- Samburu County – KSh65.7 million for 8,115 households
- Isiolo County – KSh53.6 million for 6,625 households
- Garissa County – KSh49.7 million for 9,222 households
- Tana River County – KSh39.5 million for 7,315 households
Government aims to prevent hunger and harmful coping strategies
NDMA Chief Executive Officer Lt Col (Rtd) Hared Adan said the programme is designed to protect vulnerable households from the worst impacts of the drought by strengthening their purchasing power.
“By strengthening household purchasing power, the cash transfers are expected to mitigate negative coping strategies, stabilise food consumption, and protect basic livelihoods during the current drought period,” the authority noted.
NDMA warned that repeated seasons of below-average rainfall have continued to undermine food production, livestock health, and household incomes across northern and eastern Kenya, placing millions at risk of hunger.
The authority emphasised that the cash transfers form a key pillar of the government’s early drought response, allowing affected families to meet immediate food and essential needs while longer-term interventions are scaled up.
“The cash transfers form a critical component of the Government’s early response measures, enabling affected households to meet immediate food and essential needs as it scales up broader drought response interventions in collaboration with humanitarian and development partners,” NDMA said.
How beneficiaries will receive the funds
NDMA confirmed that payments will be made through Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), as well as authorised payment agents operating within the respective counties.
Beneficiaries experiencing difficulties accessing their funds have been urged to seek assistance.
“Registered beneficiaries experiencing access challenges are advised to contact their nearest bank branch, NDMA county offices or HSNP Sub-county offices to update their details and facilitate timely payment,” the authority added.
The latest disbursement comes amid growing concern over the humanitarian impact of the drought, as government agencies and aid partners race to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown food crisis.
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Kenyan Government Releases KSh870m to Drought-Hit Families as Food Crisis Deepens in Arid Counties