Nearly 3 million people across the 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties of Kenya have benefited from food donations from the People’s Republic of China.
The rice donation, valued at approximately Ksh 360 million, will be distributed to families facing hunger due to increased vulnerability of ecosystems and livelihoods in selected counties, following below-normal rainfall from March to May and April to June last year. The situation is also linked to the fragile recovery from the 2021–2023 drought, which followed five consecutive failed rainy seasons.
During the launch of the food donations in Kumpa, Kajiado Central, Zhou Zhencheng, Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, reaffirmed his country’s support for Kenya in times of need. He noted that the bilateral relations between the two countries have expanded in various areas, including socio-economic development.
“The people’s Republic of China will continue supporting Kenya during such tough times such as drought or floods as the two countries enjoy mutual bilateral relations,” said Zhou.
“China’s food aid to Kenya is not only a concrete manifestation of humanitarian care but also a microcosm of the deepening China-Africa cooperation in jointly addressing global challenges.” he added
Addressing the event, Beatrice Askul, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands & Regional Development, thanked China for its generous gesture, noting that it complements the efforts of the Kenyan government in responding to humanitarian needs arising from the adverse effects of drought in some regions.
She urged communities in ASAL counties to explore alternative sources of livelihoods to better protect themselves during prolonged drought periods.
“We have received 40,000 bags of rice to assist communities in ASAL areas who are facing drought due to below normal rainfall in the counties, even as we do so we are emphasizing on embracing alternative sources of livelihoods,” she said.
Askul commended the Chinese government for supporting Kenya during challenges, particularly those related to disasters. She underscored the need to leverage financial and technical support from development partners to enhance food security, build resilience, and improve livelihoods.
Principal Secretary for ASAL and Regional Development, Mr Kello Harsama, reiterated the importance of building resilience within communities. He noted that the Ministry has initiated resilience programmes, such as sinking boreholes and constructing dams in ASAL counties, to enable locals to engage in food production.
Harsama pointed out that ASAL counties are often the hardest hit during prolonged droughts, and building resilience early will help communities mitigate the effects of climate change.
“We have embarked on resilience programmes including building dams and sinking boreholes in ASAL counties to enable residents to grow crops that will boost food security. We are investing heavily in water and smart agriculture and pastoralism to enable communities to cope with drought,” he said
