Vulnerable households listed under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) in Marsabit County will continue to receive their stipends without interruptions as the government strives to safeguard their self-worth.

The kitty administered through the national drought management authority (NDMA) consists of 20,410 eligible households that will receive Ksh275.5 million.

County Drought Coordinator Guyo Golicha said during a county steering group (CSG) meeting at Jirime Hotel and Resort that each family was allocated Ksh13,500 – being an accumulation of pay for five months.

Mr Golicha explained that the stipends were paid in arrears because the disbursement had been delayed as the programme underwent rationalisation. He said the stipend was purely meant to cushion needy members of society against the ravaging famine.

The beneficiaries are drawn from the four constituencies in the county with Saku receiving Ksh58 million, Moyale Ksh73, 845,000, North Horr Ksh67, 905,000 while Ksh75,735,000 went to Laisamis.

Mr Golicha pointed out that the cash transfer initiative forms part of the government’s broader social protection strategy which seeks to strengthen resilience among vulnerable households hence reducing the impact of climate related shocks.

In his remarks, deputy County Commissioner in the office of the County Commissioner Stephen Kiloi said the support was meant to enable the beneficiaries to cope with prolonged dry spells amid rising costs of living.

Mr. Kiloi noted that the kitty though a stop-gap measure helps targeted families in meeting their household basic needs hence protecting their dignity.

“It is expected that the programme will significantly reduce the impact of drought with the sole aim being to promote initiatives that help in addressing poverty and sustainable development in this climate sensitive region,” said Kiloi. 

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing myriad challenges that have bedevilled communities in ASAL areas for a long time.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sebastian Miriti and Anthony Melly