DP Kithure Kindiki when he was briefed by the National Steering Committee on Drought Response at his Karen home on February 11, 2025. /DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the government will do whatever it takes to protect the country from any potential disasters including drought.
The DP made the remarks Tuesday at his office in Karen, Nairobi when he was paid a courtesy call by the National Disaster Response Steering Committee (NDRSC) to brief him on the ongoing drought situation and the committee’s efforts to lessen its impact.
Kindiki emphasised the importance of proactive measures to protect the country against potential disasters.
"We have to do what we must do to protect the country against potential disasters," he stated.
The team led by Dr Peter Ndegwa (chairman) informed the DP that in response to the drought situation, they have managed to raise Sh1 billion and contributed to the development of the National Disaster Response Bill and Regulations, 2023.
The team also said it has facilitated the distribution of food to over 200,000 households and conducted comprehensive drought assessments.
Accompanying Ndegwa were Paul Russo (chair, Resource Mobilisation Subcommittee), Dr Stephen Jackson (chair, Policy & Legal Subcommittee), Col Hared (Representative, Sustainability Subcommittee), Agnes Kalekye (Representative, Communication Subcommittee), and Gloria Ndekei (KEPSA Foundation).
Dr Ndegwa and Dr Jackson also highlighted the impact of the suspension of US government support to humanitarian agencies and the growing concern of donor fatigue among corporate partners.
The Deputy President welcomed the team and acknowledged the vital role the committee was playing in coordinating national disaster response efforts.
The DP was also briefed by other agencies, including the Meteorological Department of Kenya on weather forecas.
The weatherman said temperatures are expected to be above normal in February, with moderate to below-average rainfall anticipated in the first and second weeks of April.
The Drought Management Resources said 1.8 million people are currently food insecure across five counties.
On security preparedness, the DP was informed that focus should shift to critical infrastructure development to ensure aid reaches those most in need, and the need for action regarding those displaced from riparian areas before the next rainy season.
Kindiki was also briefed on the need for the government to invest in prevention, resilience, and adaptation strategies by formulating strategies to lessen the impact of future disasters.
The NDRSC said it will convene a meeting to deliberate on the outcomes of the meeting with the Deputy President and to develop long-term solutions to address the challenges of floods and droughts.
The DPon his side assured the committee of his commitment to fast-tracking the Disaster Risk Management Bill, 2024 and the Metrology Bill.
The Principal Secretary for Public Health will on her part lead enhanced disease surveillance and comprehensive public health risk management efforts while the NDRSC will send representatives to the upcoming Governors Health Summit to discuss county-level drought status and mitigation measures.
Other action points agreed upon are that a multi-sectoral committee at level 2 will be activated to enhance awareness and response efforts, under the leadership of the Cabinet Secretary for ASALs (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands).
"The NDRSC, through the Communication Subcommittee, will release communications on the drought situation, preparedness measures, and joint efforts to address potential challenges," the committee said in a statement dispatched by Kalekye after the meeting.