Govt Sends Ksh 778 Million Cash Transfer to Poor Kenyans
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The National Government, through the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), has released Ksh 778,536,900 in cash transfers to support 133,101 poor and vulnerable households affected by the worsening drought across Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).
The funds have been disbursed under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) as part of ongoing efforts to cushion families grappling with severe food insecurity.
According to the NDMA, the disbursement covers the December 2025 and January 2026 payment cycles for households in eight arid counties: Mandera, Turkana, Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa, Tana River, Isiolo, and Samburu.
Additionally, the February 2026 payment cycle has been included for Mandera County, which is currently the hardest hit by drought conditions.
In a press statement dated February 19, 2026, NDMA Chief Executive Officer Lt. Col (Rtd.) Hared Adan said the intervention comes at a critical time for vulnerable communities.
“The funds released are aimed at cushioning the poorest households during this period of heightened food insecurity and stabilizing livelihoods in drought-affected areas,” he said.
3.3 Million Kenyans Facing Food Insecurity
The latest data shows that about 3.3 million people across 23 ASAL counties are currently facing food insecurity.
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Projections indicate the situation could worsen if the March-May long rains underperform.
Reduced pasture and browse, declining milk production, rising food prices, and increasing water scarcity continue to erode household resilience across affected regions.
NDMA noted that regular monthly cash transfers under the HSNP enable vulnerable families to meet essential food and non-food needs while preserving dignity and reducing reliance on negative coping mechanisms.
“By strengthening purchasing power at the household level, the programme helps stabilize local markets and protect livelihoods during drought conditions,” the agency stated.
County Allocations
The cash transfers have been distributed as follows:
Mandera County- Ksh 179,374,500 to 22,145 households
Marsabit County- Ksh 110,106,000 to 20,390 households
Turkana County-Ksh 215,146,800 to 39,842 households
Wajir County- Ksh 103,523,400 to 19,171 households
Garissa County- Ksh 49,852,800 to 9,232 households
Isiolo County- Ksh 36,698,400 to 6,796 households
Samburu County-Ksh 44,193,600 to 8,184 households
Tana River County- Ksh 39,641,400 to 7,341 households
Beneficiaries will access payments through Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank agents and branches within their respective counties.
Part of Broader Drought Response
The HSNP is implemented under the National Safety Net Programme, Inua Jamii, a flagship government initiative aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing social protection.
The cash transfer initiative forms part of a wider multi-sectoral drought response strategy that includes livestock feed supplementation, nutrition support, water interventions, and conflict mitigation in high-risk areas.
The government confirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods through timely and targeted interventions as drought conditions persist across the ASAL regions.
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Notice from NDMA informing about the release of ASAL funds
PHOTO/NDMA