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Asal counties and WFP Join forces to combat food insecurity

WFP Country Rep and Country Director Lauren Landis and Mandera County Governor Mohamed Khalif display the signed memorandum (Photo: Mandera County press)

By Issa Hussein | Wednesday, December 20, 2023

A beacon of hope shone today in Nairobi as Asal counties joined hands with the World Food Programme (WFP) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This strategic alliance aims to bolster food security and humanitarian relief efforts in these drought-stricken regions, often battered by El Niño floods.

A beacon of hope shone today in Nairobi as Asal counties joined hands with the World Food Programme (WFP) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This strategic alliance aims to bolster food security and humanitarian relief efforts in these drought-stricken regions, often battered by El Niño floods.

The agreement paves the way for a collaborative approach. Moving beyond mere food assistance, the focus shifts towards building resilience and fostering self-sufficiency. National and county institutions will receive vital support in crafting and implementing effective food security policies, tailored to the unique challenges faced by Asal communities.

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WFP Country Director Ms. Lauren Landis expressed optimism, highlighting the agreement's potential to assist vulnerable populations reeling from recent floods and prolonged droughts. She underlined the crucial need for a robust partnership with Asal counties to achieve sustainable development goals in the region.

Echoing this sentiment, Principal Secretary Harsama Kello emphasised the importance of unlocking the untapped food production potential within Asal counties. He unveiled the state department's active efforts in crafting a National Relief Assistance Policy, designed to streamline humanitarian interventions by both government and non-governmental actors. This policy, slated for completion by the financial year's end, will establish robust standards and guidelines within the sector.

Kello further announced the development of RAMIS, a digital platform specifically designed for the upcoming cash transfer program. This innovative system promises to optimize and expedite relief efforts through seamless cash transfers.

USAID Deputy Mission Director Sheila Roquitte underscored the urgency of timely interventions in the face of recurring floods and droughts that plague the region.

Governor Mohamed Khalif of Mandera praised the WFP for its unwavering support of vulnerable communities and its collaborative spirit. He advocated for a feedback-driven approach, aimed at identifying and mending gaps in previous programs to continually improve service delivery and strengthen the partnership. He pointed towards the devastating floods and successive droughts plaguing Asal counties, emphasizing the need for a multi-sectoral approach to aid communities in recovering and rebuilding their livelihoods.

“Together, we will transition from emergency response to resilience-building programs that will have a long-lasting impact,” declared the Governor, solidifying the commitment to forging a sustainable future for the Asal region.

County commissioners, officials from relevant departments, and donor partners witnessed this monumental step forward, solidifying a united front in the fight against food insecurity and the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow for Asal communities.