Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahe Kagwe has confirmed that the government is set to receive up to 1 million bags of maize from the Republic of Zambia to curb the severe drought affecting parts of the country.

Taking it to his X account on Friday, February 13, 2026, Mutahi Kagwe said that the government has secured assurance from the Government of Zambia that it shall supply up to 1 million 90 kg bags of maize if drought worsens and local stocks decline.

“Mutahi Kagwe has secured assurance from the Government of Zambia to supply up to 1M 90 kg bags of maize if drought worsens and local stocks decline,” Mutahi’s statement on X read.

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Mutahi has further noted that the aid comes when the number of projected people affected by the drought currently stands at 3.3 million people. He added that the number is expected to rise by June 2026 should the current situation remain.

“This comes as about 3.3M Kenyans face acute food insecurity, projected to rise to 3.6M by June 2026,” the statement added.

The aid from Zambia has come at a time when the government is sourcing billions of shillings each month to fight a deepening drought that has pushed millions of Kenyans into food insecurity, as at least 23 counties grapple with a growing humanitarian crisis.

Under the current drought response plan, the State is projecting to spend Ksh4 billion every month to procure food and non-food items, livestock feed and water. The intervention targets drought-affected communities, as well as livestock and wildlife, in arid and semi-arid areas where conditions have continued to deteriorate.

Government’s appeal for aid

In addition to the monthly allocation, the government has appealed to development partners to inject an extra Ksh2 billion into the response. The State says the combined funding is meant to strengthen ongoing interventions and prevent the situation from worsening.

Speaking during a press conference on Monday, February 9, 2026, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the drought has now affected about 3.3 million people nationwide, with 23 counties requiring urgent support.

Data from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) paint a similar picture, estimating that about 2.1 million people in arid and semi-arid counties are already affected by the drought, with numbers expected to rise if conditions persist.

Humanitarian organisations have raised alarm over worsening nutrition indicators, particularly among children. In a statement issued to newsrooms, the Kenya Red Cross Society said eight counties are currently experiencing a critical phase of drought.

The agency warned of severe deterioration in nutrition, estimating that about 784,000 children are malnourished, while nearly 300,000 households lack adequate food supplies.

The government has previously released funds to cushion vulnerable communities. In January 2026, it disbursed Ksh6 billion to support drought mitigation measures, including food distribution, livestock protection and water interventions.

However, Kindiki acknowledged that the scale and duration of the drought require sustained financing and coordination with partners, as dry conditions linger and forecasts remain uncertain, the success of the response will largely depend on timely funding, efficient distribution and the ability to reach the most vulnerable populations before the crisis deepens further.