Kindiki pledges relief measures for communities facing short rains and livestock losses
By Cy Muganda, January 10, 2026Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government has mobilised adequate food and non-food essentials for urgent delivery to parts of the country experiencing shortages due to poor short rains.
In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, January 9, 2026, Kindiki disclosed that he met with Mandera County Senator Ali Roba and Members of the National Assembly from the county at Karen, Nairobi, to receive their input on a coherent response to the food and nutritional situation.
“Met the Senator for Mandera County Ali Roba, and Members of the National Assembly from the devolved unit to receive their input on a coherent response to the food and nutritional situation,” Kindiki stated.
Support for pastoralists
The Deputy President outlined specific interventions targeting pastoralist communities whose livestock have been affected by the drought conditions.
Kindiki revealed that pastoralist areas will receive support with fodder, water, and animal offtake programs to minimise drought-related financial losses to livestock keepers.
Animal offtake programs typically involve the government purchasing livestock from herders at fair prices before the animals lose too much value due to drought conditions, providing immediate cash relief while also reducing pressure on scarce grazing resources.
“The Government has mobilised adequate food and non-food essentials for urgent delivery to parts of the Country experiencing food and nutrition shortages as a result of adverse weather and low precipitation in the just-ended short rains,” Kindiki stated.
“Pastoralist areas will also be supported with fodder and water as well as animal offtake to minimise drought-occasioned financial losses to livestock keepers,” he added.
Government’s measures
Kindiki updated the Mandera leaders on measures the government has taken to cushion residents and their livestock from the effects of drought.
“Updated them on the measures the Government has taken to cushion the people of Mandera County and their livestock from the vagaries of drought,” he said.