Kenyans from drought-stricken regions started receiving cash handouts On Monday, August 16 instead of physical food as part of the relief program. This is according to the National Drought Management Authority(NDMA).
This is the first time in Kenyan history that the government is issuing cash handouts to Kenyans from the 12 counties prone to drought cases. The Strategic Food Reserve (SFR) has not been stocked with food since last year according to an announcement from the government.
The agency indicated to Business Daily, “The cash transfer will start on August 16 with priority given to those Counties that are the most affected by drought, the programme will expand to other Countries like Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, and Samburu,”.
According to the NDMA July report, the pastoral region is expected to have a drop in milk and meat production due to the state of pasture and browse.
This was after an analysis was carried out on the arid and the semi-arid areas where pastoral activity is the major activity.
The report findings predict a downward trend in the 11 counties due to the occurrence of poor rainfall.
They include; Marsabit, Garissa, Kilifi,Taita Taveta ,Embu,Meru, Nyeri, Samburu, , and Tana river,Kitui and Kajiado.
100,000 households from Turkana, Mandera, Wajir, and Marsabit will benefit from the program scheme. The households have been identified under the hunger safety net program.
The physical food previously stocked under the Strategic Food Reserve by the National Cereals and Produce Board had been valued at sh 3billion. The Board used to stock 3 million bags in reserve.
This scheme seeks to end the corruption that has rocketed the relief program to the drought-stricken region. Also, efficiency is at the core of the scheme in the distribution of cash handouts.
Those under the program will have enjoyed the benefit directly without having a middle man, an issue that plagued relief distribution over the years.
According to the NDMA report, “It is projected that the drought situation will worsen between July and November 2021.
With negative consequences for household food security, crop and livestock production, access to water, the nutritional status of children, and local coping strategies.”
