President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday declared the drought affecting parts of the country a national disaster.
Consequently, the President has instructed the National Treasury and the Ministry of Interior to spearhead Government's efforts to assist affected households including water and relief food distribution as well as livestock uptake.
State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena Mararo said the decision follows a meeting between the Head of State and 85 leaders from Kenya's Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASAL) led by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani.
"More details of the Government's comprehensive drought mitigation measures will be unveiled in due course," Kanze Dena said.
On Monday, the government said at least two million Kenyans from 10 counties have been affected by drought.
Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa said the government with the help of other state and non-state actors are working to cushion the affected families.
There have been calls by Northern Kenya leaders asking the president to declare the drought that is currently ravaging the region a national disaster.
In a press briefing last week, the leaders led by Treasury CS Ukur Yatani said that although the ongoing drought has affected many parts of the country, it is worse in Northern Kenya.
In 2017 when the country experienced one of its worse droughts ever, the President declared it a national disaster.
