By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 14 January 2026 - The government on Wednesday reassured Kenyans that it is well-equipped to handle the current drought affecting the nation, with comprehensive measures already in place to reduce its effects.
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki urged the public to remain calm, disclosing that KSh 6 billion has been set aside to fund relief activities, and appealed to development partners for additional backing
“The government has made arrangements to make sure that we provide enough food to all the affected people and also to save their livestock from demise because of the drought," Prof Kindiki said while co-chairing the 14th Development Partners Forum at his Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi.
"There should be no panic in the country,” he said.
The Deputy President called on partners to reinforce government initiatives, noting that the drought has impacted more than 20 counties, particularly those in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL).
“The Government is also committing KSh 2 billion every month and is asking for increased assistance from the development partners and other role players to ensure that the drought situation is comprehensively dealt with,” he stated.
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He added that authorities are gathering adequate hay, vaccines, and water supplies to prevent widespread livestock deaths.
Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi, who is also Wajir Governor, pressed for immediate action to stop the situation from worsening.
“While ASAL counties are the most affected. Non-ASAL counties are experiencing spill-over effects through rising food prices, water stress and livelihood disruptions,” he said.
Other leaders who attended the forum included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, various Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries among others.
The forum was also attended by United Nations Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson (co-chair), German Ambassador Sebastian Groth (co-chair), the Council of Governors delegation led by Governor Abdullahi, ambassadors, and representatives from multiple development organisations.
