Nairobi, Kenya – The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the release of Ksh.4.1 billion to scale up drought response interventions in Northern Kenya, as the nation grapples with one of its deadliest droughts in recent history.
Relief for Millions at Risk
According to a Cabinet dispatch, the funds will provide relief to an estimated 3.3 million people currently facing acute food insecurity. Projections warn that the number could rise to 3.6 million by June 2026 if urgent interventions are not implemented, including in counties outside the arid and semi-arid regions.
Counties in the alarm phase include Mandera, Wajir, Kwale, and Kilifi, while 12 counties are in the alert phase, among them Garissa, Tana River, Marsabit, Turkana, Meru North, Samburu, and Isiolo.
Acute malnutrition is also worsening, affecting over 810,000 children and 104,000 pregnant and lactating women, alongside other vulnerable groups.
Previous Allocations and Urgency
The additional funding supplements allocations made in December 2025 and January 2026, which supported relief food, logistics, and limited non-food assistance.
“Current stocks are expected to last only two to three weeks, underscoring the urgency of further support,” the Cabinet statement noted.
The drought has deteriorated rapidly since January 2026 following the failure of the October–December 2025 short rains.
Gachagua’s Criticism
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticised the allocation, arguing that the funds are insufficient to meet the needs of affected communities.
Speaking at his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) offices in Nairobi, Gachagua said the allocation translates to about Ksh.1,200 per person, far below the United Nations benchmark of Ksh.2,700 for a minimum food basket.
He urged President Ruto to declare the drought a national disaster, citing at least 10 counties in critical condition. Gachagua also accused the government of wastage and plunder, alleging misuse of emergency resources and excessive spending on items such as helicopters.
Ruto’s Upcoming Tour
The release of funds comes ahead of President William Ruto’s three-day tour of Northern Kenya, with one of the first events scheduled to be a Nyota disbursement forum in Garissa County. The tour is expected to highlight government efforts to address the crisis and reassure affected communities.
Conclusion
The Ksh.4.1 billion allocation underscores the government’s recognition of the worsening drought crisis, but criticism from opposition leaders highlights the scale of the challenge. With millions at risk of hunger and malnutrition, the coming months will test Kenya’s ability to mobilize resources and deliver relief effectively.
