Families in drought-stricken areas to receive Sh3,000 monthly instead of food aid
The government to provide Sh3,000 monthly stipend to families in drought-stricken areas, says Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Gender, Senior citizens Affairs and Special programmes Margret Kobia.
Announcing the new policy shift, Kobia said the government resorted to the cash transfer programme due to similar initiatives which have proved successful.
“It has been decided government will use cash transfer instead of it buying food and distributing to the affected households,” she said.
“We have enough lessons including through the Inua Jamii program and the coronavirus pandemic for the informal sector. It will be a regular income during the drought situation. We believe that cash transfer will be a success.”
According to Kobia, the world over cash transfer has been found most suitable especially during drought situation.
“We will have concerted efforts since most humanitarian organizations have shifted to a cashless system. This will make sure that Kenyans will not lack food,” said Kobia.
Kobia said while at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) when she received rice in 22 containers as a donation from Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy Zhang Yijun.
China donated food aid to help Kenya mitigate drought on November 22, 2021.
In September, the government declared drought that is ravaging parts of the country, a national disaster.
The drought was declared in 29 counties classified under the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) where food insecurity has been experienced in recent months due to lack of consistent rains.
Counties classified as ASAL include Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia, Narok, Kajiado, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Embu, Migori, Homa Bay, Nakuru and Kiambu.
