Garissa Governor Sounds Alarm as 33,000 Households Face Starvation Amid Drought
Garissa, October 27, 2025 – Garissa County is facing a severe drought crisis, with over 33,000 households at risk of starvation, prompting urgent action from county and national authorities. Governor Nathif Jama convened an emergency stakeholders’ forum on Monday to coordinate responses to the worsening humanitarian situation, calling for a unified effort between the national government, county authorities, and development partners.
The drought has severely affected 18 out of the county’s 30 wards, leaving water pans dried up and both people and livestock struggling to access sufficient resources. Abdinoor Dubow, Garissa County Coordinator for the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), described the situation as worrying, particularly in light of below-average rainfall forecasts. The forum resolved to deploy water bowsers to 200 of the worst-hit settlements, with eight vehicles provided by the county and two by the NDMA. The drought response team also prioritized repairing boreholes and vehicles to improve water access and distribution.
Officials underscored the need for swift, coordinated interventions to prevent further loss of life. Deputy County Commissioner Sabastian Okiring called for the engagement of the Kenya Meat Commission through the NDMA to launch a livestock offtake program, aimed at cushioning farmers from devastating losses. Governor Jama stressed that immediate action is critical, urging humanitarian organizations and the national government to provide additional support to protect livelihoods and avert further disaster.