Kenya’s deepening drought crisis in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) took centre stage as senior government leaders, governors and development partners convened for the 14th Development Partnership Forum, held at the Official Residence of the Deputy President.
The high-level meeting was chaired by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki and brought together representatives from the national government, county governments, the United Nations and development agencies to discuss drought mitigation, emergency response and long-term resilience.
Communities across Kenya’s ASAL counties are facing one of the toughest droughts in recent years, with food security, water access and livelihoods, particularly livestock-dependent households, under severe threat.
Officials from the State Department for Special Programmes said the government’s priority is to ensure that interventions reach the most affected communities, while shifting focus from repeated emergency relief to resilient agriculture, value addition and community-driven initiatives that can sustain livelihoods.
The forum was also attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, alongside Principal Secretaries, governors from drought-affected counties and senior representatives of development partners.
Participants emphasized the importance of strong coordination between government and partners to ensure resources are directed where the need is greatest. Humanitarian organisations, including the Kenya Red Cross, were highlighted as key partners in delivering life-saving support such as water assistance, food aid, nutrition services and medical outreach.
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) continues to monitor drought conditions, warning that many ASAL counties remain under severe stress following consecutive failed rainy seasons.
Speakers at the forum stressed that drought is no longer an occasional shock but a recurring reality that requires long-term planning. Leaders called for sustained investment in water infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture and livestock value chains to protect both lives and livelihoods.
Outcomes from the 14th Development Partnership Forum are expected to shape Kenya’s immediate humanitarian response and long-term drought resilience strategies.