The Government has launched a KSh 778 million cash transfer programme targeting approximately 133,000 vulnerable households across eight arid and semi-arid counties as part of intensified efforts to cushion communities from the effects of drought.
Under the initiative, Turkana County has received KSh 215 million through the National Drought Management Authority under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) regular cash transfer.
The funds will benefit 39,842 registered households in drought-affected areas.
Speaking during the launch, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku said the government remains steadfast in addressing the worsening drought situation.
“Government is relentless in addressing the drought situation in the country. Turkana County is one of the most affected and the Ministry, through the State Department for Special Programmes in collaboration with the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) and other stakeholders, is escalating immediate and long-term solutions to the perennial droughts,” said Ruku.
Each registered household under the HSNP will receive KSh 2,700 to help meet essential food and non-food needs amid ongoing climatic challenges.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the cash transfers form part of a broader, multi-pronged drought response strategy.
“Today we flagged off multi-pronged responses to the drought situation in Turkana, including a fleet of relief food supplies, hay for livestock, and cash transfers to vulnerable families across Turkana County. Regional water agencies are also on the ground providing short-term and long-term sustainable water solutions for human consumption and livestock,” he said.
In addition, humanitarian organisations have joined the response efforts by delivering nutritional supplements to children and lactating mothers, while the County Government of Turkana is providing medical care to residents affected by the devastating drought.
The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening resilience in arid and semi-arid regions through sustained interventions that combine emergency relief with long-term development solutions.