Mandera Launches Emergency Food Aid for 15,000 Households as Drought Intensifies
By Issa Hussein
Mandera | Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Mandera County has rolled out a major emergency drought relief programme targeting 15,000 vulnerable households, as prolonged dry conditions continue to escalate hunger across the region.
Speaking during the launch in Mandera town, Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif said the initiative—fully funded and implemented by the county government—will support the urban poor, persons with disabilities, and religious leaders (Ulamas) across all 12 sub-counties.
This intervention is part of our broader commitment to protect lives, restore dignity, and support households in times of distress, the governor said.
Drought Situation Worsens
Mandera remains in the alarm stage of drought after the failure of the 2025 long rains season. The county is grappling with severe water shortages, poor pasture regeneration and declining livestock productivity—factors that have pushed many pastoralist families deeper into crisis.
Recent assessments classify Mandera under IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) food insecurity, with projections indicating further deterioration due to expected below-average short rains from October to December 2025.
Between July and September, an estimated 287,700 people in Mandera required urgent food assistance. Projections show that this number could rise to more than 335,000 by January 2026, Governor Mohamed noted.
Coordinated Relief Distribution
The food aid distribution will be coordinated by the Department of Social Services, Special Programmes and Disaster Risk Management, working closely with sub-county and ward administrators, as well as community representatives.
We are determined to ensure that no one is left behind. This is a government that listens, acts, and stands with its people in difficult times, Mohamed said.
Trucks loaded with relief supplies were flagged off during the launch, marking one of the county’s most extensive humanitarian efforts this year.
Appeal for Continued Cooperation
The governor thanked county staff and local communities for their support in planning and executing the initiative, emphasising that strong partnerships are essential in confronting recurring droughts.
I sincerely thank all county staff and the community for their tireless efforts. May Allah bless you all, and may He continue to bless Mandera County and the Republic of Kenya, he said.
The launch comes amid worsening hunger trends across northern Kenya, with national and regional drought monitors warning that food insecurity is likely to intensify in the coming months.