Kenya implements to safeguard farmers amid drought condition

Kenya’s response to the deepening drought has moved into urgent action, with the Government expanding food relief efforts while preparing farmers for the coming long rains season.

As dry conditions tighten their grip across several counties, authorities say both immediate survival and future food security are now the priority.

Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President, said, “The government is intensifying distribution of food to millions of Kenyans severely affected by the ongoing drought. I assure the people of Kenya that the government will not spare any resources to make sure we don’t lose human life and mitigate the effects of the drought on livestock and wildlife.”

Speaking after chairing a high level coordination meeting at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, which brought together Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and agency heads, Kindiki said the focus is on fast and efficient delivery of relief to the most affected communities.

“Many counties are in need of food for the people and livestock feed. We are tirelessly working on effective last mile delivery of food so it does not take long to reach the people. We are also trucking water to the people and livestock,” he said.

Government figures show that at least 3.3 million people have been affected since January 2026, with counties such as Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Marsabit, Turkana, Kwale, Meru North, Samburu and Isiolo facing crisis conditions.

At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched the 2026 Long Rains National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme. Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Kiprono Rono confirmed that fertiliser is being delivered to National Cereals and Produce Board depots using the Standard Gauge Railway to ensure timely and affordable access for farmers.

“We need food to reach our schools so that learners are not disrupted by the ongoing drought situation. We have reviewed and resolved to upscale the ongoing interventions. We have also resolved to diversify the provision of food to take care of special members of society, including children, women and vulnerable members of society,” he stated.

Officials say the combined strategy of emergency relief and farm input support is aimed at stabilising families today while safeguarding the next harvest, as Kenya confronts increasingly uncertain climate patterns.