Gov’t Intensifies Drought Relief and Long-Term Development Efforts in Baringo
The national government has stepped up drought-response operations and development investments in Baringo County as part of ongoing efforts to support households grappling with prolonged food shortages. During a high-level visit to Kolowa and Chemolingot in Tiaty Constituency, Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku led a delegation in delivering food rations and essential non-food supplies to residents hit hardest by the persistent dry spell. The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to cushioning vulnerable families in arid and semi-arid regions while strengthening long-term community resilience.
The emergency aid mission, coordinated by the State Department for Special Programmes, saw local leaders including Tiaty MP William Kamket, Baringo Woman Representative Jematiah Sergon, and Kacheliba MP Titus Lotee rally behind the initiative. They urged sustained relief support for households facing diminished harvests and water shortages after consecutive seasons of failed rainfall. CS Ruku emphasized that the government is not only responding to immediate humanitarian needs but also investing in structural projects designed to reduce dependence on emergency aid. He cited ongoing initiatives such as the Cheraik Irrigation Project, the construction of Radat Dam, and rehabilitation of Chemeron Dam—projects meant to expand water access for both domestic use and livestock.
With Baringo’s water coverage standing at only 39 percent according to the 2019 census—likely lower today due to recurring droughts—the government, through the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), has accelerated water infrastructure expansion. Fourteen new projects, including boreholes, water pans and earth dams, have been rolled out, targeting more than 5,000 households and over 110,000 livestock. Ruku noted that improved security in previously volatile areas has enabled the return of government services and development interventions. A recent UN report shows a 30 percent drop in conflict incidents in arid counties, progress attributed to ongoing security operations and peace-building efforts.
Looking ahead, the government plans to establish two Huduma Centres in Tiaty in line with President William Ruto’s directive to bring public services closer to citizens. The ministry says enhanced service delivery—alongside food security programs, irrigation projects and peace-building initiatives—will anchor long-term socio-economic transformation in Baringo. During the outreach exercise, more than 300 bags of assorted food items were distributed, with assurances of additional support in the coming weeks.