Kenya Red Cross rolls out food aid in Mandera amid displacement crisis
By Faith Lagat, August 2, 2025In the arid borderlands of northeastern Kenya, the Kenya Red Cross has stepped up humanitarian support for families fleeing escalating violence in Belet Hawo, a volatile town in Somalia’s Gedo region.
The agency began distributing emergency food aid in early August 2025, targeting displaced households now sheltering in temporary camps across Mandera County.
In a post on their X dated August 2, 2025, they noted that “Our support to displaced families in Mandera continues, following the conflict in Belet Hawo, Somalia.”
Clashes erupted on July 22 between Somali federal forces and Jubaland regional troops, forcing thousands to flee. The renewed fighting, which saw forces loyal to former Jubaland minister Abdirashid Janan seize control of Belet Hawo, marked the fourth major skirmish in ten days.
Though a fragile calm has since settled, tensions remain high, with federal troop deployments continuing across the Gedo region.
Hundreds displaced
The conflict has displaced over 100,000 people across Somalia, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), with some families crossing into Kenya seeking safety. In Mandera East, the Kenya Red Cross has established emergency shelters and led relief efforts, working alongside the national and county governments.
Since July 22, the Red Cross has supported 327 households at Barwaqo and Duse Primary School with essential non-food items. Supplies included sleeping mats, mosquito nets, blankets, kitchen sets, jerrycans, and shelter materials.
As needs grow, the focus has shifted to food relief. “Families are receiving maize flour, green grams, Corn-Soya Blend (uji mix), and cooking oil,” the Red Cross said. Distributions began at Barwaqo Camp, with Duse and Shashafey Camps next in line. The initiative targets 500 households, delivered in partnership with local leaders and the Mandera Ulamas.
Humanitarian pressure mounts
Assessments by RACIDA, IOM Kenya, and the Danish Refugee Council estimate 229 households at Barwaqo and 102 at Duse, revealing the strain on local capacity. The Red Cross stressed that the response is being coordinated closely with government officials and community leaders to ensure fairness and efficiency in aid delivery.
Local authorities have warned that the numbers could rise further if violence resumes. Initial reports recorded just eight Somali families arriving in Mandera, but that figure has grown steadily as the conflict continues.
Regional stability at risk
The unfolding crisis underscores broader instability in the Horn of Africa. The political tensions between Somalia’s federal government and Jubaland remain unresolved, while Al-Shabaab activity in surrounding regions adds another layer of complexity.
For displaced families in Mandera, the Red Cross’s intervention provides urgent relief, but humanitarian agencies warn that sustained international support will be critical if the situation deteriorates.