In recent remarks at the pastoral leadership summit in Wajir, Principal Secretary Harsama Kello emphasized the need for better coordination and resource mobilization to address the persistent drought affecting the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (Asals) of Kenya. Kello’s statement reflects a growing frustration with the inefficient management of resources and the misalignment of priorities among non-state actors operating in these regions. His call for action highlights the complex challenges that continue to impede development efforts in the face of recurrent droughts.
Kello criticized the widespread practice among non-state actors of investing in projects with misplaced priorities. He cited the example of an NGO spending Sh40 million to count non-functional boreholes in Turkana County as a stark reminder of the misallocation of resources. “In Turkana, we have 200 organizations, while Marsabit and Wajir host more than 300 NGOs,” Kello noted. “Many of these funds are misdirected. We need collective efforts and a better harnessing of resources to implement plans that will end reliance on emergency drought responses.”
The Principal Secretary highlighted that the framework developed by both national and county governments in collaboration with development partners was well-conceived but poorly executed. He stressed the need to enhance coordination between all stakeholders government agencies, development partners, and non-state actors to ensure that efforts are not duplicated and resources are used efficiently. “The EDE plan (Ending Drought Emergencies) was designed to be effective, but its implementation is hampered by poor coordination and inadequate funding,” Kello said.
Kello proposed a shift in focus towards long-term solutions, such as establishing 450 feedlots nationwide and placing 5,000 hectares of land under pasture to mitigate the impact of drought on pastoralist communities. These measures are aimed at reducing the community’s dependence on emergency drought responses and enhancing resilience through sustainable food production practices. “The Asal region has vast, productive land suitable for food production,” Kello noted. “With land diminishing in other parts of Kenya due to increasing population, the government views Asal as the future breadbasket for the nation.”
The challenge of inadequate resources was echoed by officials from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), who cited lack of funding as a major barrier to effective drought intervention. Shallow Abdullahi, chairperson of NDMA, highlighted that while the EDE framework is robust, implementation is hindered by limited financial resources. “You can have a fantastic framework, but implementation requires resources. Not much has been done due to lack of adequate funding,” Abdullahi stated. He pointed to the Kona Dam in Tana River County as a successful drought intervention initiative that supports fodder production for livestock. However, he noted that without sufficient funding, such initiatives struggle to expand and meet the growing needs of the pastoralist communities.
In response to these challenges, Kajiado Central MP Elijah Memu demonstrated a feedlot project he initiated in Kajiado, emphasizing the potential for counties in Asal regions to engage in fodder production as a mitigation measure. “It is very possible to end drought emergencies,” Memu said. “We need to embrace fodder production and technology.” He urged counties to invest in food production and develop fodder banks, stressing that one acre can feed 25 heads of cattle. “This is about changing our mindset and embracing modern agricultural practices,” Memu added.
The summit also highlighted the role of technology in improving drought resilience. Experts called for the adoption of precision farming techniques and digital solutions to better monitor water sources and manage resources efficiently. “We need to use technology to optimize water use, identify the best areas for fodder production, and ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most,” said Kello.
As Asal counties continue to grapple with the impact of drought, the government’s renewed commitment to enhancing coordination and resource mobilization offers hope for meaningful change. The focus now must be on translating well-conceived plans into practical actions that address the root causes of persistent drought. As Kello noted, “It’s not just about having the right plans on paper; it’s about making them work on the ground. With better coordination and investment, we can transform the Asal region from a recipient of emergency aid to a stable source of food production.”
In conclusion, addressing the persistent drought in Asals requires a collective effort that aligns priorities and leverages resources effectively. The government’s initiatives, including the development of feedlots and the establishment of mega dams, are steps in the right direction. However, sustained commitment and collaboration among all stakeholders are essential to break the cycle of drought and ensure that the Asal region becomes a reliable contributor to the nation’s food security.
