Drought in Kenya
By Times Reporter
The Government has released about Sh294.5 million to 109,100 households in eight drought-hit counties under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP).
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in a statement on Tuesday, August 2, said the funds will be accessible through Kenya Commercial Bank and Equity Bank agents and branches by Wednesday, September 3.
“Each household will receive Sh2,700 to help cushion them from the effects of prolonged drought,” said NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hared Adan.
The Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) provides regular cash transfers to vulnerable households in arid and semi-arid counties to help them cope with drought and other shocks.
Mandera County will receive the highest allocation at Sh59.7 million for 22,100 households, followed by Marsabit with Sh55 million for 20,400 households and Wajir with Sh51.7 million for 19,200 households.
Other allocations include Turkana’s Sh43.6 million for 16,100 households, Garissa’s Sh24.9 million for 9,200 households, Samburu’s Sh21.9 million for 8,100 households, Tana River’s Sh19.8 million for 7,300 households and Isiolo’s Sh17.9 million for 6,600 households.
Adan urged registered HSNP beneficiaries facing payment challenges to update their details at the nearest bank branch to access their stipends.
The HSNP is part of the Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP) under the Government’s Inua Jamii social protection programme, which targets vulnerable households in arid and semi-arid regions.
