State, through the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), has disbursed Ksh870.38 million ($6.8 million) to 132,780 vulnerable households under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) across eight arid and semi-arid counties, as part of ongoing efforts to cushion vulnerable populations against the impact of the prevailing drought.

The disbursement targets households in Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Garissa and Tana River counties, that traditionally suffered adverse effects of the weather that often resulting food insecurity due to consecutive seasons of below-average rainfall.

By strengthening household purchasing power, the cash transfers are expected to mitigate negative coping strategies, stabilise food consumption and protect basic livelihoods during the current drought.

The ongoing drought has significantly undermined household food security in 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.

Speaking during a visit to a payment point in Afweinn Ward, Garissa County, where he witnessed ongoing disbursements, the NDMA Chief Executive Officer, Lt-Col (rtd) Hared Adan, described the cash transfers as a critical lifeline for drought-affected households.

He noted that as drought conditions persist across arid and semi-arid counties, the government is deliberately prioritising social protection alongside other drought response interventions to prevent further deterioration of food and nutrition security among vulnerable populations.

“This disbursement reflects the Government’s commitment to cushioning the most vulnerable citizens against the impacts of drought. Cash transfers under the Hunger Safety Net Programme are enabling households to meet immediate food and basic needs while protecting dignity and livelihoods,” Adan said.

During the current disbursement, 9,222 beneficiary households in Garissa County have received a total of Ksh49,798,800, providing much-needed relief at a time when household purchasing power has been significantly eroded by consecutive seasons of poor rainfall.

Apart from the direct beneficiaries, the cash transfers are also generating positive spill-over effects within local economies. At Afwein Centre, a shopkeeper, Abdi Billow said the programme is helping sustain small businesses while easing pressure on struggling households.

“Most beneficiaries collect their money and immediately purchase food and essential items such as rice, sugar, powdered milk, and soap. Others are able to clear accumulated shop debts, restoring their creditworthiness and allowing them to continue accessing food on credit,” Billow said.

Beneficiaries will receive their payments through Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank branches, as well as authorised agents in their respective counties.

Registered beneficiaries experiencing access challenges were advised to contact their nearest bank branch, NDMA county offices or HSNP sub-county offices to update their details and facilitate timely payment.

• A Tell Media / KNA report