The county government of Garissa County has intensified its drought mitigation efforts with the distribution of livestock feed and relief food aimed at cushioning vulnerable families and pastoralists affected by prolonged dry conditions.
During a flag-off ceremony, Nathif Jama, Governor of Garissa, announced the rollout of a large-scale relief programme targeting communities across all 12 sub-counties.
The initiative includes the distribution of 10,500 bags of range cubes and bales of hay to support pastoralists whose livestock have been severely affected by dwindling pasture and water sources.
In addition, the county government is providing relief food to 4,500 households, as part of broader efforts to mitigate the effects of drought on vulnerable families.
Governor Jama said the county has been implementing several emergency interventions since late December to address the worsening situation.
These include an expanded water trucking programme that has so far reached 124 centres, ensuring that communities and livestock in remote areas have access to water.
To further strengthen water access, the county has repaired 30 strategic boreholes that serve both human populations and livestock.
The government has also distributed 46 water storage tanks, including 20 tanks with a capacity of 10,000 litres and 15 tanks with a capacity of 5,000 litres, to improve water storage in drought-prone areas.
Livestock health has also been prioritised, with veterinary teams conducting 300,000 vaccinations, mainly targeting sheep and goats to protect pastoral livelihoods.
Governor Jama thanked the national government for supporting the county’s drought response, acknowledging the presence of Cornelius Mbithi, the Deputy County Commissioner, and Ismail Maalim Madey, Principal Secretary for Special Programmes, who facilitated the provision of 3,500 bales of hay to support pastoralists.
Several development partners have also joined the response. Islamic Relief is distributing 1,400 assorted food rations to households in Balambala and Lagdera during the Ramadan period.
Meanwhile, the County Pension Fund has supported 250 households with food assistance.
Humanitarian organisation Save the Children is also rolling out monthly cash support of KSh 7,000 per household for 1,900 households across 40 villages, while supporting water trucking services to 50 villages in Fafi, Lagdera, Dadaab, Balambala and Garissa Township.
The organisation is also supplying 1,500 boxes of nutritional supplements to sub-county hospitals to support vulnerable populations.
Governor Jama noted that additional relief food is expected in the coming days as the county continues to mobilise resources while awaiting the onset of the long rains.
He called on development partners and donors to coordinate their interventions through county government departments to strengthen accountability, avoid duplication of aid, and maximise the impact of humanitarian support.
The county government says it remains committed to protecting pastoral livelihoods and supporting communities as they navigate the ongoing drought challenges.