As the sun continues to scorch the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), the government has thrown a financial lifeline to those hardest hit. The State has disbursed KSh 870.38 million to over 132,000 vulnerable households, aiming to put food on the table in eight counties facing acute food insecurity.

The funds, released under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP), are a critical buffer for pastoralist communities whose livelihoods have been decimated by erratic weather patterns. This cash transfer model is favored for its dignity—allowing families to buy what they need rather than queuing for relief food.

Targeted Relief

The disbursement comes at a critical time, with the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) warning of deteriorating pasture conditions. The money will go directly to registered beneficiaries' bank accounts, injecting liquidity into the local village economies.

• The Beneficiaries: The program targets the poorest households in counties like Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir, and Mandera, where malnutrition rates often spike during dry spells.
• The Impact: Each household receives a stipend designed to cover the basic cost of a food basket, preventing the sale of livestock at throwaway prices.

A Recurring Crisis

While the cash transfer is welcome, leaders from the region are calling for long-term solutions, including mega-dams and irrigation projects. "We cannot survive on stipends forever," noted a local leader. "We need water, not just cash."