A high-stakes meeting has been underway, bringing together several lawmakers and Mandera County’s leadership to tackle a growing crisis, the biting drought currently sweeping through Northern Kenya.
At the center of the discussion is Senator Ali Roba alongside a delegation of Members of the National Assembly from the region.
The goal is simple but critical, formulating a coherent, rapid response to the food and nutrition shortages that have reached a breaking point following a lackluster short rains season.
Kindiki has used the session to update the leaders on the state’s mobilization efforts.
It isn’t just about food aid anymore, the government is deploying a multi-pronged strategy to protect both lives and livelihoods.
The Deputy President has confirmed that essentials both food and non-food items are already being moved to the most affected areas.
However, the most pressing concern for many in these pastoralist communities is their livestock.
To prevent total economic collapse for families in Mandera and beyond, Kindiki outlined several intervention measures:
Firstly, emergency fodder and water. Direct distribution to keep remaining herds alive.
Secondly, animal offtake programs. A crucial move to help farmers sell their livestock before the animals succumb to the drought, ensuring they at least have some cash in hand.
What has stood out during this meeting is the collaborative approach.
Rather than a top-down directive from Nairobi, the Deputy President has sought direct input from local representatives who understand the unique geography and needs of the devolved units.
The meeting has been wrapped up with a clear message that he government is moving to cushion its citizens from the vagaries of drought, aiming to turn the tide before the situation worsens.
0 Comments