The National Drought Management Authority and KDF are distributing livestock feed and supplements in arid and semi-arid lands.
The distribution is one of the national government's intervention to help vulnerable communities.
Lt Col (Rtd) Hared Adan, who is NDMA chief executive officer, said the military will transport an initial consignment of 2,700 bags (50kg each) of livestock feed to Marsabit.
He said the authority was leveraging KDF’s logistical strength to accelerate transportation and distribution of the feed, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Adan said Baringo county would be next to get livestock feed in Tiaty East, Tiaty West and Mogotio.
In Marsabit, the livestock feed will be distributed in Moyale and Saku subcounties. Another 3,575 bags are coming from FAO for North Horr and Laisamis subcounties.
"The feed supplements will avert livestock deaths in the worst-affected areas," Adan said.
The CEO attributed the ongoing drought to climate change, the poor performance of the 2021 short rains and previous failed rainfall seasons.
About 3.1 million people in 23 ASAL counties need relief assistance. The figure is projected to rise to 3.5 million by June.
NDMA is also trucking water, repairing boreholes and providing fuel subsidies to strategic boreholes. It provides water storage tanks to schools and health facilities in several ASAL counties.
The coming long rains are projected to be inadequate and the food situation is worsening so more help is needed, the CEO said.
NDMA, says seven counties are classified in the drought alarm phase 3 of 4 phases. They are Marsabit, Wajir, Isiolo, Samburu, Baringo, Turkana and Mandera.
A further 10 counties are in the alert phase 2. They are Garissa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Laikipia, West Pokot, Meru North, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi and Kitui.
Since October 2021, NDMA has distributed 101,200 bags (50kgs each) of livestock feed supplements to ASAL counties.
The EU has supported other drought interventions in 17 ASAL counties for Sh405 million.
(Edited by V. Graham)
