State releases Sh294 million hunger safety net funds to support 109,000 households in arid counties
The National Drought Management Authority announced that the funds would be available in beneficiaries’ accounts at KCB Bank and Equity Bank branches and agents from Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
Over 109,000 vulnerable households across eight arid counties are set to benefit from Sh294 million released under the government’s Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) to cushion families from drought and economic hardship.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) announced that the funds would be available in beneficiaries’ accounts at KCB Bank and Equity Bank branches and agents from Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
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“The disbursement is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to cushion households in arid regions from the effects of drought and economic hardship,” NDMA CEO Hared Adan said.
Mandera County received the highest allocation of Sh59.6 million for 22,102 households, followed by Marsabit with Sh55 million for 20,388 households.
Wajir was allocated Sh51.7 million for 19,162 households, while Turkana got Sh43.5 million for 16,142 households. Other allocations include Garissa (Sh24.8 million for 9,214 households), Samburu (Sh21.9 million for 8,115 households), Tana River (Sh19.7 million for 7,326 households), and Isiolo (Sh17.8 million for 6,623 households).
Monthly stipend
Each registered household will receive a monthly stipend of Sh2,700.
The HSNP, implemented by NDMA, is part of the Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP) under the government’s Inua Jamii social protection framework. NDMA has advised beneficiaries experiencing payment issues to visit their nearest bank branch to update their details and access the funds.
The Hunger Safety Net Programme is a flagship social protection initiative that provides predictable cash transfers to vulnerable households in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). It seeks to reduce poverty, strengthen resilience to drought shocks, and restore dignity to affected communities.
“This programme continues to play a critical role in stabilising livelihoods in the arid counties, allowing households to meet their basic needs even during difficult times,” Hared said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to timely support for drought-affected families.
At least five counties remain at an alarming stage of drought following low or below-average rainfall during the March–May long rain season.
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