As we celebrate this year's World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought under the theme "Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.", NDMA is showcasing interventions that strengthen livelihoods, restore ecosystems and enhance drought resilience across Kenya's ASAL counties.
We were honoured to host CS Environment, Climate Change and Forestry @DeboraBarasa, PS Environment and Climate Change @Eng_F_Ngeno, UNCCD Executive Secretary Dr. Yasmine Fouad, and other dignitaries at the @NDMA_Kenya exhibition stand, where they engaged with our resilience-building initiatives.
#WDDD2026 #RecognizeRespectRestore #Rangelands #ASALs
As operating environments become increasingly complex and technology-driven, internal audit must evolve from a retrospective assurance function into a forward-looking strategic partner that strengthens governance, accountability, and institutional resilience.
NDMA CEO @HaredAHassan delivered a presentation on the theme: “From Detection to Prediction: The Shift to Proactive Fraud Risk Management” during the 23rd Institute of Internal Auditors @IIAKenya Annual Seminar in Mombasa.
The presentation underscored the urgent need for institutions to move beyond reactive, post-incident approaches towards proactive systems that anticipate risk, strengthen controls in real time, and prevent losses before they occur.
The seminar also provided a valuable platform for rich engagement and exchange of insights among audit and governance professionals committed to strengthening integrity, accountability, and resilience across institutions.
#InternalAudit #FraudRiskManagement #RiskManagement #InstitutionalResilience
In Garbatulla Ward of Isiolo County, a quiet transformation is taking root. The Taiboto Self-Help Group, once dependent on pastoralism, is rewriting its future. After years of devastating droughts that wiped out livestock and livelihoods, these households made a bold shift to irrigated farming. Today, that decision is paying off.
In their first harvest, the group has produced 540 bags of red onions (27 tonnes). Land that was once dry, bare, and underutilised has been transformed into a productive farm that is now feeding families and generating income.
Behind this success is a deliberate investment in resilience. The Group received support from the National Government through the NDMA under the National Drought Emergency Fund (NDEF), including:
🔹Construction of a 100,000-litre elevated steel water storage tank to ensure reliable water supply for irrigation.
🔹Installation of rain hose irrigation system on 20 acres.
🔹Erection of a 1.8-kilometre solar-powered electric fence to prevent crop destruction by wildlife, particularly by elephants.
🔹Provision of start-up farm inputs, including onion seeds, fertiliser and equipment.
For 25 households directly involved, crop farming is now a dependable source of food and income. This first harvest is valued at approximately KSh 3.5 million in local markets. For the wider community, it translates into improved access to fresh produce and more vibrant local markets.
This transformation directly advances the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by:
🔹Strengthening agricultural productivity at the grassroots.
🔹Expanding income opportunities for vulnerable households.
🔹Creating job opportunities for youth and women.
🔹Supporting food security and local value chains.
🔹Reducing reliance on emergency assistance through sustainable livelihoods.
Most importantly, it signals a shift in mindset.
Drought no longer dictates destiny. In places where livestock losses once defined hardship, irrigated agriculture is emerging as a viable, climate-smart alternative.
The Taiboto project demonstrates how targeted investments can unlock economic potential. Here, resilience is not a concept. It is visible, measurable, and harvestable.
#EndDroughtEmergencies #DroughtResilience
Led by CEO Lt. Col. (Rtd) Hared Hassan Adan, the @NDMA_Kenya today held strategic discussions with Dr. Joyce Omina, CEO of @IIAKenya. The talks centered on drought risk management—a critical intersection between the two organisations.
In FY 2025/26, NDMA planted 278,298 seedlings across the ASALs aligning with the government's directive to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. NDMA's CEO emphasized integrating tree-growing into ASAL projects, evolving beyond seedlings toward sustainable ecosystem restoration with diverse stakeholders. The Authority prioritizes indigenous, drought-tolerant species that thrive in these harsh environments.
Dr. Omina highlighted partnership opportunities to address climate vulnerability as a high-priority risk in the public sector audit universe.
This engagement underscores the vital role of public and audit sector collaboration in advancing sustainable drought risk management.
The integration of machine learning-based child malnutrition forecasts into NDMA’s operational processes, with support from the @EUinKenya, marks a major milestone in strengthening the national drought early warning system. This innovation enhances our capacity for evidence-led early action, enabling faster and more targeted interventions to protect vulnerable children and communities before drought impacts escalate. https://t.co/oRhlJsEoeM
@CSBeatriceMoe@harsama_kello
#DroughtEarlyWarning
#EarlyAction
#EndingDroughtEmergencies
The Taru-Roka-Egu-Kwa Kalinga Water Pipeline Extension Project in Samburu-Kwale Sub-County has significantly improved water access. Household water trekking distances have reduced to less than 500 metres, while livestock watering distances have reduced from over 5 kilometres to less than a kilometre. Water tariffs have also dropped from KSh 10 to below KSh 5 per 20-litre container.
Speaking during the project commissioning today, NDMA Board Chairman Mr. Shallow Yahya noted that shorter distances to water, lower costs for households, improved public health, better school attendance, and reliable access for livestock even during prolonged dry periods are evidence of enhanced resilience.
The project integrates climate-smart innovations, including solar-powered pumping to reduce operational costs and carbon emissions, as well as a pilot automated water dispensing system to strengthen accountability, minimise water losses, and improve revenue collection.
Kwale Governor H.E. Fatuma Achani today officially commissioned the Taru-Roka-Egu-Kwa Kalinga Water Pipeline Extension Project in Mackinnon Road Ward, Samburu-Kwale Sub-County.
The Governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor Hon. Chirema Kombo, NDMA Board Chairman Mr. Shallow Yahya, CEO Lt. Col. (Rtd) Hared Adan, NDMA Board Members Ms. Leah Sambai and Mr. Ahmed Bishar, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ms. Mwanaisha Chizuga, County Executive Committee Members, and National Government Administration Officers.
Implemented by NDMA with funding from the European Union @EUinKenya and in collaboration with the @OurKwaleCounty, the KSh 24 million project provides reliable water services to communities in five villages in Taru Location, including Taru, Roka, Egu, and Kwa Kalinga. The project is directly benefiting more than 3,300 people and over 5,000 livestock.
Governor Achani described the project as a major milestone in strengthening water security and safeguarding livelihoods in Mackinnon Road Ward. She commended the collaboration between both levels of Government, noting that the intervention has significantly eased the burden of water access on families, particularly women and children, while also supporting livestock-based livelihoods that are central to the local economy.
The project was prioritised following a Participatory Disaster Risk Assessment conducted in 2023, which identified chronic water insecurity as the highest-ranked drought risk requiring urgent intervention.
Key project components include a 7.7-kilometre high-density pipeline, a 60,000-litre underground ferrocement storage tank, a solar-powered pumping system, three water kiosks, four communal water points, four cattle troughs, two motorcycles for routine operation and maintenance, and system maintenance equipment.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ms. Mwanaisha Chizuga commended NDMA for ensuring that national government projects continue to deliver tangible benefits to citizens at the local level.
Today, @NDMA_Kenya and @TaitaTaveta006 County Government are commissioning the Ngolia-Mbololo Water Supply Project in Voi Sub-County.
The project is jointly funded by NDMA under the National Drought Emergency Fund (NDEF) and the County Government.
Before this transformative drought resilience investment, residents walked up to 10 kms and spent 8 to 10 hours daily searching for water. Today, the average distance has reduced to 3 kms, restoring time, dignity, and resilience for communities.
#DroughtResilience #EndingDroughtEmergencies
Nairobi Metropolitan Forecast Update – 7 Mar 2026 🌧️⚠️
Heavy rains continue across Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu & Machakos. Widespread 20–100mm expected; flash floods, runoff & landslides likely in low-lying & hilly areas. Advisory active until 9 Mar, 19:00 EAT.
📍Mandera County
Distribution of livestock supplementary feed (Drought Pellets) is ongoing in Mandera County. The intervention is funded by the National Government through the National Drought Emergency Fund implemented by @NDMA_Kenya.
NDMA has allocated 10,080 bags (50kg each) of Drought Pellets for distribution across Mandera North, Mandera South, Lafey, Mandera West, Banisa and Mandera East sub-counties.
Mandera, currently classified in the 'Alarm' drought phase, is among the most affected counties. Other counties targeted under the intervention include Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Isiolo, Turkana, Tana River, Kilifi and Kwale.
The distribution of ‘Drought Pellets’ is aimed at protecting core breeding stock, stabilising pastoral livelihoods, and preventing livestock losses in affected areas.
As drought conditions continue to deteriorate across the Arid and Semi-Arid areas, the National Government, through the @NDMA_Kenya has released KSh 778,536,900 in cash transfers to 133,101 poor and vulnerable households registered under the Hunger Safety Net Programme across eight counties.
This disbursement forms part of a broader, coordinated multi-sectoral drought response strategy.
The Government remains firmly committed to protecting lives, preserving livelihoods, and cushioning households through timely and targeted interventions.
Full Press Statement: https://t.co/FCcmUvVAFj
#EndingDroughtEmergencies
#DroughtResponse
#LeaveNoOneBehind
Addressing communities from Isiolo, Garissa and Meru counties at the close of the #NDMAPeaceCaravan in Garbatulla, Principal Secretary @harsama_kello emphasised the need for communities to move away from harmful practices such as stock theft, noting that while other parts of the country are engaging in productive economic activities, some pastoral areas remain trapped in cycles of insecurity.
Drawing from his own experience as a student at Garbatulla High School in the late 1980s, when banditry incidents were common, the PS called for a decisive break from such practices and urged communities to embrace peaceful, lawful livelihoods that support long-term development and stability.
The 4-day peace caravan, held under the theme “Tudhibiti ukame, kwa amani na malisho endelevu”, traversed key pastoral routes from Modogashe through Barquqe, Bulo, Eldere, Tokojo and Benane. It brought together community elders, women and youth leaders, peace and grazing committees, county and national government representatives, and civil society organisations to strengthen dialogue and prevent drought-related conflict along the shared Garissa-Isiolo-Meru corridor.
NDMA CEO @HaredAHassan: Communities along the Garissa-Isiolo-Meru corridor share common borders and grazing routes. Currently, more than 80% of livestock from Garissa County are grazing in Isiolo, alongside significant numbers from Wajir, underscoring the need for continuous community sensitisation on peaceful and negotiated resource sharing.
NDMA has supported the establishment of 39 peace committees and 26 grazing committees, contributing to improved stability. Over the past three years, the corridor has remained largely peaceful, with only two reported incidents, one last year and one this year.
Today we are witnessing the return of four camels lost three years ago, demonstrating the effectiveness of dialogue-based conflict resolution.
Leaders, including Meru Woman Representative Hon. Elizabeth Karambu, Garissa Deputy Governor H.E Abdi Dagane, Garissa County Commissioner Mr. Mohamed Mwabudzo, emphasised the need for dialogue, cooperation, trust and peaceful coexistence to protect livelihoods.
Ms. Lucy Nkatha, a peace committee member from Meru County, noted that insecurity disproportionately affects women, children, and persons living with disabilities. She reaffirmed the community’s commitment to the measures agreed upon in the joint communiqué, underscoring the importance of protecting the most vulnerable as peace efforts continue.
#NDMAPeaceCaravan
#Peace4Resilience
#EndingDroughtEmergencies
Cabinet Secretary for EAC, ASALs & Regional Development @CSBeatriceMoe has arrived at Garbatulla Baraza Park to officiate the final day of the #NDMAPeaceCaravan that brought together participants from Isiolo, Garissa and Meru counties.
The CS was taken through the Caravan route by NDMA CEO @HaredAHassan. She was in the company of PS for @ASALs_Regional Mr. Harsama Kello @harsama_kello, Garissa Deputy Governor H.E Abdi Dagane and Meru Woman Representative Hon. Elizabeth Karambu.