Drought threatens five counties as rainfall expectations fall short
Water remains the most pressing issue as drought conditions worsen. The NDMA has prioritized water projects, with at least 15 water-related initiatives underway across the 23 affected counties.
Kenya’s fight against drought has intensified, with five counties now on high alert as low rainfall threatens their already vulnerable populations. Wajir, Mandera, parts of Marsabit, Kilifi, and Garissa face the stark reality of the March- May rains falling well below average.
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that at least two million people across 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) are expected to face food insecurity between now and July.
NDMA Chief Executive Officer, Col. (Rtd.) Hared Adan spoke candidly about the ongoing efforts to mitigate the situation during a tree-planting exercise at Modogashe Girls' Secondary School in Garissa.
“In terms of the outlook, it is expected that the arid counties and parts of the Coast will receive a depressed rainfall or below average, but we ask our Lord to give us the rains,” Adan stated.
He reassured the public that the government has already enacted a contingency plan to manage the crisis, including mobilizing resources for drought relief.
To support affected communities, Adan highlighted the ongoing distribution of relief food and water tracking programs designed to ease the strain.
“The government, through the special programmes, is also distributing relief food and also water tracking programmes supported by the NDMA to keep the situation under control,” he noted.
The CEO also emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to avoid duplication of services and to maximize resources.
Water remains the most pressing issue as drought conditions worsen. The NDMA has prioritized water projects, with at least 15 water-related initiatives underway across the 23 affected counties.
“The most affected sector is water, and that is why we are doing water trucking in several counties,” Adan explained.
“We have also, as a government, made deliberate investments in water infrastructure by improving the existing ones and developing new ones.”
Despite these interventions, the situation is dire. Mahat Osman, the Member of County Assembly for Modogashe, urged for more long-term solutions.
“NDMA has been doing a good job to ensure that our people get water. The county government has been helping, but this is not enough yet. We need all the stakeholders, the national government and non-governmental organizations to come together and bring permanent solutions,” Osman said.
His call for sustainable measures resonated with locals, many of whom have experienced the devastating effects of water shortages.