Government disburse Sh1.1billion to four counties affected by drought
The government has disbursed Sh1.1 billion shillings to Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, and Turkana counties which are hard hit by drought.
The Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) funding has been distributed to low-income and vulnerable households in the affected counties by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).
Additional 58,000 people in the four counties have received Sh638.6 million from the Authority as part of the portfolio for drought shock responsive cash transfers.
Over 91,000 beneficiaries will get routine cash transfers totalling Sh500 million at the same time.
“The HSNP routine segment, commonly referred to as Group 1 beneficiaries, is entitled to Sh5,400 while those under the shock-responsive portfolio will receive Sh2,700 shillings, NDMA Chief Executive Officer Lt. Col. (Rtd) Hared Hassan Adan said.
On June 29, 2022, beneficiaries will start getting their benefits.
The drought concern has so far persisted with Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) since January this year 17 out of the 23 ASAL counties had effects of the drought.
This was due to the 2021 short rain in two consecutive seasons and the delayed start of the 2022 long rain season.
Due to the delayed arrival of rainfall and insufficient cumulative rainfall through May, the reduced growing window in marginal agricultural areas is anticipated to lead to widespread subpar to failing harvests in June.
The crop planted area is typically below normal as a result of numerous previous unsuccessful harvests, a delayed start to the rainy season, and uneven rainfall distribution. Key sources describe widespread crop failure in Nyeri, widespread crop wilting in Kilifi and Kitui, and bad crop conditions in Kitui and Meru North (Kieni).
While African army worm infestations are being reported in Makueni and Tharaka Nithi, Fall Army Worm crop infestations have also been recorded in Embu (Mbeere).
Most marginal agricultural areas are probably Stressed (IPC Phase 2), with average to above-average terms of trade and stable access to income as support (TOT).
However, due to a string of subpar harvests, below-average TOTs, and rising food costs, Kitui and Meru (Meru North) counties are probably in Crisis (IPC Phase 3).
