By R, KNA
The Kenya Red Cross (KRC) has announced plans to activate early action protocol to mitigate the ravages of a looming drought in Samburu County.
The move comes after the Kenya Metrological Department predicted below normal rains in the region stretching from the months of October, November and December.
Speaking to KNA, Samburu County Red Cross Coordinator, Jefta Ole Keremu, said that activation of the Early Action Protocol (EAP) in Samburu has been informed by both the Kenya Metrological Department and indigenous weather forecast who predicted below average to near average rainfall during the short rainy seasons rains.
Ole Keremu noted that the forecast made during a Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) meeting, where most indicators showed that we are at a normal state of drought, but at a deteriorating trend.
The RC Coordinator mentioned that the EAP in Samburu County will include providing drought tolerant seeds, rehabilitating water facilities, sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and distributing fodder for livestock, as well as sharing early warning messages with farmers and herders within Samburu County through sponsored radio broadcasts and community engagement.
“While not explicitly listed as a primary action, in the September 2025 activation, Samburu County is a pastoral community that is heavily reliant on livestock in the ASAL region and it will be a priority for such support.” He said.
National Drought Manage Authority (NDMA) Coordinator, Joseph Lotwen, added that according to the weather forecast, Samburu County might be in a drought alert Phase in the next two months characterized by water scarcity, deteriorating livestock body condition and a rise in food prices.
“In case it gets worse, we have re-aligned our County drought contingency plan, which is basically a response plan through water tracking and advocating for organised grazing patterns, coordinating drought risk management efforts across ASAL counties to strengthen regional resilience.” he said.
Lotwen further added that a total of 8,344 households in Samburu County are beneficiaries of the Hunger Safety Net Program (HSNP), which is an unconditional national government Cash Transfer program in eight poorest ASAL counties.
“The payment by the national government is ongoing and it will help the targeted 8,344 households to buy food. The money in circulation will also strengthen the livestock market which is the backbone of the people of Samburu and with a strong livestock market Samburu resident can survive the impending drought.” he said.