The government has released Sh294,494,400 to 109,072 vulnerable households in eight arid counties under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP).
In a statement on Tuesday, the National Drought
Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that the funds will be available in
beneficiaries’ accounts at Kenya Commercial Bank and Equity Bank branches and
agents from Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
“The disbursement is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to cushion households in arid regions from the effects of drought and economic hardship,” NDMA CEO Hared Adan said.
According to the statement, Mandera County received the largest allocation of Sh 59.6 million for 22,102 households, followed by Marsabit at Sh55 million targeting 20,388 households. Wajir County was allocated Sh51.7 million to cover 19,162 households.
Other allocations included Turkana Sh43.5
million for 16,142 households. Garissa (Sh24.8 million for 9,214 households),
Samburu (Sh21.9 million for 8,115 households), Tana River (Sh19.7 million for 7,326
households), and Isiolo (Sh17.8 million for 6,623 households).
Each registered household will receive a monthly stipend of Sh2,700.
The programme, which is implemented by NDMA, forms part of the Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP) under the Government’s Inua Jamii social protection framework.
NDMA advised beneficiaries experiencing payment challenges to visit their nearest bank branch to update their details and access the funds.
The Hunger Safety Net Programme is a flagship social protection initiative designed to provide predictable cash transfers to vulnerable households in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
It aims to reduce poverty, build resilience against drought shocks, and restore dignity to affected communities.
The CEO reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable families in drought-affected regions receive timely support.
“This programme continues to play a critical role in stabilising livelihoods in the arid counties, allowing households to meet their basic needs even during difficult times,” he said.
At least five counties in the country were at an alarming stage of drought due to low or below average rainfall in the March–May long rain season.
