CS for EAC, Arid, and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development Rebecca Miano has assured senators that the government is working to scale up drought response interventions.
According to a press release from the CS, 89 development partners, and non-state actors are currently involved in drought response in ASAL counties.
She stated that the partners include UN agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations, and Red Cross organizations.
Miano stated that as of December 2022, the agencies had mobilized approximately Sh44.7 billion for drought response.
“I would like to reiterate that the government is doing everything possible to alleviate the suffering of Kenyans affected by drought,” she said.
On February 2, several Senators expressed concern about the worsening drought ravaging parts of the country and called for the situation to be declared a national disaster to facilitate resource mobilization.
The 14 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) lawmakers want the government to reassess the situation and devise a proper response to save millions of Kenyans affected by the drought.
“The concerns raised by our Senators during their press conference are important. However, I would like to reassure Kenyans and our honorable lawmakers that the government, with the support of development partners, private sector, and other non-state actors, is making every effort to scale up drought response interventions” said CS Miano.
On Saturday, the CS stated that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta officially declared a national disaster in parts of Kenya on September 8, 2021.
Miano also stated that an assessment of the 2022 short rains season is underway to determine its impact on food security in the country.
