The National Government has released Sh870.38 million in cash transfers to cushion vulnerable households in eight drought-affected counties as food insecurity continues to worsen following consecutive seasons of poor rainfall.
The funds, disbursed through the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP), will benefit 132,780 households in Mandera, Marsabit, Turkana, Wajir, Samburu, Tana River, Garissa and Isiolo counties.
According to NDMA, the cash transfers form part of the Government’s early response measures aimed at strengthening household purchasing power, stabilising food consumption and protecting basic livelihoods in areas hardest hit by the ongoing drought. The payments cover stipends for the September, October and November 2025 cycles.
Turkana County received the largest allocation of Sh287,312,400, benefiting 39,838 households, followed by Marsabit County, which received Sh151,478,100 for 20,388 households. Mandera County was allocated Sh119,350,800 for 22,102 households, while Wajir County received Sh103,545,000 for 19,175 households.
Samburu County received Sh65,731,500 for 8,115 households, Isiolo County received Sh53,662,500 for 6,625 households, Garissa County received Sh49,798,800 for 9,222 households, while Tana River County received Sh39,501,000 to support 7,315 households.
In a statement, NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hared Adan said the ongoing drought has significantly undermined household food security across arid and semi-arid counties, leaving many families struggling to meet their basic needs.
“The ongoing drought has significantly undermined household food security across arid and semi-arid counties. The cash transfers form a critical component of the Government’s early response measures, enabling affected households to meet immediate food and essential needs as it scales up broader drought response interventions in collaboration with humanitarian and development partners,” said Hared.
Beneficiaries will receive their payments through Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank branches, as well as authorised agents within their respective counties. Registered beneficiaries experiencing access challenges have been advised to contact their nearest bank branch, NDMA county offices or HSNP sub-county offices to update their details and facilitate timely payment.
“Implemented by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, the HSNP is part of the Inua Jamii National Safety Net Programme and remains a cornerstone of the Government’s social protection framework,” said Hared.
The programme plays a critical role in reducing poverty, addressing hunger and strengthening household resilience in drought-prone areas, while supporting the Government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.
