The persistent drought and food insecurity in Kilifi County have prompted urgent government action, spearheaded by East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul. During a visit to Ganze Sub-county, CS Askul announced the launch of a comprehensive drought response initiative aimed at alleviating the severe impacts of the prolonged dry spell in the region. This response reflects the government’s increased efforts to address the urgent needs of communities hardest hit by one of Kenya’s most severe environmental challenges—drought.
Kilifi County, a semi-arid region, has faced recurrent drought cycles over the years, which have severely impacted livelihoods, food production, and access to essential resources like water. The current drought, which has pushed Kilifi into the “Alert” drought phase since July 2024, shows no signs of abating. With poor rainfall during the March to May long rains season, an already fragile food and water situation in Ganze, Kaloleni, and Magarini sub-counties has worsened, leading to a humanitarian crisis that calls for immediate relief and long-term resilience measures.
The Scope of the Drought and Its Impacts
The drought has left approximately 78,800 people across Kilifi County food insecure. Ganze Sub-county has been particularly hard-hit, with more than 19,000 people in Bamba and Sokoke Wards urgently needing food aid. CS Askul expressed concern over the widespread water shortages and the impacts on agricultural productivity, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Agriculture, the backbone of Kilifi’s economy, relies heavily on the seasonal rains, with the long rains season contributing up to 60% of the county’s annual crop production. However, this year’s rainfall was significantly below normal levels, leading to poor harvests, depletion of household food stocks, and a rise in malnutrition.
Water stress has emerged as another significant challenge, with many surface water sources drying up and failing to recharge. Residents in livestock farming areas are walking up to 5 kilometers in search of water, and the cost of a 20-litre jerrican has soared to KSh 40 in some regions. As a result, many households are struggling to meet their basic water needs, while the lack of sufficient water has also affected schools participating in the School Meals Programme. Without adequate water, schools are unable to prepare meals, putting children at further risk of malnutrition.
The drought has also taken a toll on Kilifi’s livestock farmers. Reduced pasture and water availability have forced many herders to migrate with their livestock in search of grazing lands, often leading to heightened tensions over scarce resources. This migration has impacted milk production, contributing to increased rates of malnutrition among children in Ganze, particularly in Bamba Ward, where the situation is most dire.
Government and Partner Interventions
To address the immediate needs of the affected communities, the Kenyan government, in collaboration with partners, has initiated a multi-faceted response. CS Askul, while acknowledging the extent of the crisis, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring timely delivery of relief assistance. Through the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Drought Emergency Fund (NDEF), the government has mobilized resources to truck water to the most affected communities in Ganze, Kaloleni, and Magarini sub-counties.
In addition to water trucking, the government has distributed 600 bags of rice and 520 bags of beans, valued at KSh 7.98 million, to help alleviate food shortages. CS Askul reassured residents that these relief efforts would continue, with the government closely monitoring the evolving drought situation. However, she also stressed the need for enhanced coordination between the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and development partners to effectively address the crisis.
Several key development partners have also stepped up their efforts. Plan International and GiveDirectly have disbursed cash transfers to over 4,600 households in Ganze and Kaloleni sub-counties, helping families to meet their immediate food and water needs. World Vision Kenya has played a critical role in supporting schools by providing water storage tanks to nine schools in Bamba Ward, allowing them to maintain their School Meals Programme and ensure that students receive at least one meal per day.
To support agricultural resilience, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has begun distributing drought-tolerant seeds in preparation for the October to December short rains season. However, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of delayed and depressed rains during this period, raising concerns that the drought could worsen and extend into 2025.
Scaling Up Drought Response Measures
In light of the growing needs, CS Askul called for additional interventions to be scaled up across Kilifi County. One of the immediate priorities is to expand cash transfers to more households in Ganze, Sokoke, Kayafungo, Mwanamwinga, and Jilore Wards. With food prices continuing to rise due to supply chain disruptions caused by the drought, cash transfers offer a lifeline to vulnerable families who can use the funds to purchase basic necessities such as food and water.
The government also plans to increase water trucking services to drought hotspots, especially in Ganze and Magarini sub-counties, where access to safe drinking water remains a critical challenge. Expanding these services will help reduce the distance households must travel to access water and ease the financial burden of purchasing water at inflated prices.
For livestock farmers, the government aims to provide feed supplementation to prevent further livestock deaths and preserve livelihoods. The drought has drastically reduced pasture and browse availability, and without external support, many livestock herders face the risk of losing their animals, a key source of income and food security. By providing feed and veterinary services, the government hopes to mitigate these losses and help livestock farmers survive the harsh conditions.
Long-Term Resilience Building
While emergency relief is vital, CS Askul also highlighted the importance of implementing long-term measures to address the root causes of vulnerability in ASAL regions like Kilifi. These measures include promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, investing in water infrastructure, and supporting livelihood diversification to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
The government is working on several initiatives to build resilience among Kilifi’s residents. These include increasing the adoption of drought-tolerant crops, which can withstand dry conditions and provide more reliable yields even during periods of low rainfall. Additionally, investments in irrigation schemes and rainwater harvesting systems are being prioritized to ensure that farmers have access to water for their crops and livestock throughout the year.
Another key aspect of resilience building is strengthening social safety nets. By expanding programs like cash transfers, the government can ensure that households are better able to withstand economic shocks caused by climate change and other factors. These programs not only provide immediate relief but also help build financial security and reduce long-term vulnerability.
Conclusion
The drought in Kilifi County has pushed thousands of residents into food and water insecurity, with agricultural and livestock production severely affected. In response, the government, led by CS Beatrice Askul, has launched a robust drought response initiative that combines immediate relief with long-term resilience-building measures. While these efforts are crucial to addressing the current crisis, sustained interventions and stronger collaboration between the government, development partners, and the local community are necessary to ensure that Kilifi’s residents can overcome the challenges posed by climate change and achieve long-term food and water security.
