Government Disburses KSh 870 Million to Drought-Stricken Households in ASALs

By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter

20 January 2026 - 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, as part of ongoing efforts to cushion vulnerable populations against the impacts of the prevailing drought.

The disbursement targets households in Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Garissa, and Tana River counties, which continue to experience deteriorating food security due to consecutive seasons of below-average rainfall.

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 ongoing drought has significantly undermined household food security across arid and semi-arid counties. 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.

Speaking during a visit to a payment point in Afwein Ward, Garissa County, where he witnessed ongoing disbursements, the NDMA Chief Executive Officer, Lt. Col. (Rtd) Hared Adan, described the cash transfers as a critical lifeline for drought-affected households.

He noted that as drought conditions persist across arid and semi-arid counties, the Government is deliberately prioritising social protection alongside other drought response interventions to prevent further deterioration of food and nutrition security among vulnerable populations.

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“This disbursement reflects the Government’s commitment to cushioning the most vulnerable citizens against the impacts of drought. Cash transfers under the Hunger Safety Net Programme are enabling households to meet immediate food and basic needs while protecting dignity and livelihoods,” Adan said.

During the current disbursement, 9,222 beneficiary households in Garissa County have received a total of KSh 49,798,800, providing much-needed relief at a time when household purchasing power has been significantly eroded by consecutive seasons of poor rainfall.

Apart from the direct beneficiaries, the cash transfers are also generating positive spillover effects within local economies. At Afwein Centre, a shopkeeper, Abdi Billow said the programme is helping sustain small businesses while easing pressure on struggling households.

“Most beneficiaries collect their money and immediately purchase food and essential items such as rice, sugar, powdered milk, and soap. Others are able to clear accumulated shop debts, restoring their creditworthiness and allowing them to continue accessing food on credit,” Billow said.

Beneficiaries will receive their payments through Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank branches, as well as authorised agents within their counties. 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.