Sh1.34 Billion Drought Fund Targets Marsabit and Turkana Recovery

Marsabit and Turkana are set to benefit from Sh1.34 billion in drought-resilience funding, offering fresh hope to communities that have repeatedly faced water shortages, livestock losses and food insecurity. The allocation recognises the harsh reality that drought in northern Kenya is not an isolated emergency; it is a recurring economic and social threat.

For families living in the region, the impact of drought is immediate. Water points dry up, grazing land disappears, livestock become weak and household income collapses. Children may miss school, health conditions worsen and communities are forced to travel long distances in search of water and pasture. Relief food can save lives, but it cannot replace a long-term system that protects livelihoods before a crisis begins.

The new funds should focus on practical projects that remain useful long after the current emergency passes. These include boreholes, water harvesting systems, livestock markets, drought-tolerant fodder, veterinary services, solar-powered water systems and better climate information for pastoralists. Community participation will be essential because local residents understand the migration routes, water points and grazing patterns that determine whether projects succeed.

The investment can also help change the national conversation about northern Kenya. The region should not be viewed only through the lens of drought and humanitarian aid. With the right infrastructure, livestock value chains, renewable energy and cross-border trade, it can become a major contributor to Kenya’s economy