Marsabit and Turkana counties have received an additional Ksh1.34 billion (9 million euros) from Germany’s KfW Development Bank to strengthen drought resilience and support communities affected by prolonged dry conditions.
The additional funding follows the signing of an agreement between the State Department for Irrigation and the two county governments for the implementation of the Drought Resilience Programme in Northern Kenya.
Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho said Turkana will receive Ksh298 million (2 million euros) from the additional financing, while Marsabit will get Ksh1.04 billion (7 million euros).
The programme was initially allocated 21 million euros, with Turkana receiving 13 million euros and Marsabit 8 million euros.
The latest financing brings the total allocation to the two counties to 30 million euros, equivalent to about Ksh4.46 billion, with each county now receiving 15 million euros.
The programme will support water harvesting, storage and irrigation initiatives aimed at improving access to reliable water resources in the drought-prone counties.
It will also fund animal health, range land management, fodder production and livestock marketing, as well as the upgrading of critical infrastructure such as rural roads, sanitation facilities and health services in schools.
Under the programme, 5,000 acres of range land will be rehabilitated, while about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created.
The additional funding comes as northern Kenya continues to face challenges linked to prolonged dry conditions, increasing pressure on water resources, livestock and livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Kimotho said the State Department for Irrigation is prepared for the forecast El Niño rains expected between October and December.
He said the government plans to harvest and store water from the rains while early warnings have been issued to communities living in areas at risk of flooding.
Kimotho urged residents in flood-prone areas to heed the warnings and move to higher ground when necessary to minimise the risk of loss of life and property.
