Mandera launches emergency food aid for 15,000 amid deepening drought
The launch marks one of Mandera's largest county-funded humanitarian efforts this year, coming amid warnings from national and regional drought monitors that food insecurity across northern Kenya is expected to worsen in the coming months.
Mandera County has launched a countywide emergency drought relief food distribution program targeting 15,000 vulnerable households, as worsening drought conditions continue to push thousands of residents to the brink of hunger.
Speaking during the launch in Mandera town on Tuesday, Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif said the initiative, fully financed and implemented by the county government, aims to cushion the urban poor, persons with disabilities, and religious leaders (Ulamas) across all 12 sub-counties.
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"This intervention is part of our broader commitment to protect lives, restore dignity, and support households in times of distress," said Governor Mohamed.
He noted that Mandera, like other arid and semi-arid counties, remains in the alarm stage of drought, following the poor performance of the 2025 long rains season. The prolonged dry spell has led to acute water shortages, poor pasture regeneration, and declining livestock productivity, severely affecting pastoral livelihoods.
According to recent assessments, Mandera County is currently classified under IPC Phase 3 (Crisis level) of food insecurity. The situation is expected to worsen with the forecast of below-average short rains (October–December 2025), potentially increasing the number of food-insecure households.
Flagging of the trucks ferrying emergency relief aid. (Photo: County Press)
"Between July and September, an estimated 287,700 people in Mandera required urgent food assistance. Projections show that the number could rise to over 335,000 by January 2026," Mohamed said. "These figures highlight the gravity of the drought situation and the urgent need for a coordinated and compassionate response."
Mohamed said the food distribution exercise will be coordinated by the Department of Social Services, Special Programmes and Disaster Risk Management, in partnership with sub-county and ward administrators, as well as community representatives.
"We are determined to ensure that no one is left behind. This is a government that listens, acts, and stands with its people in difficult times," he emphasised.
He expressed appreciation to county staff and local communities for their role in planning and executing the initiative, noting that sustained collaboration would be key to overcoming the recurring drought challenge.
"I sincerely thank all county staff and the community for their tireless efforts in making this exercise possible," he said. "May Allah bless you all, and may He continue to bless Mandera County and the Republic of Kenya."
The launch marks one of Mandera's largest county-funded humanitarian efforts this year, coming amid warnings from national and regional drought monitors that food insecurity across northern Kenya is expected to worsen in the coming months.
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