Drought Management Authority disburses Sh1.1 billion under HSNP

The National Drought Management Authority NDMA has disbursed Sh 1.1 billion under the Hunger Safety Net Programme HSNP to poor households in Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera and Turkana counties to mitigate the effects of the harsh weather.

The funds, which have been transferred under the routine cash transfer segment, come at a time when the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has hit 4.1 million.

The Authority disbursed Sh 638.6 million under the drought responsive cash transfer portfolio to additional 58,000 households in the four counties and another Sh 500 million through cash transfer to over 91,000 beneficiaries.

NDMA chief executive Hared Hassan Adan said that each household under the HSNP routine segment, which is commonly referred to as Group 1 beneficiaries, is entitled to Sh 5,400, while those under the shock-responsive portfolio will receive Sh 2,700.

The HSNP has cash disbursements that are part of the larger Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project KSEIP, implemented by the government.

Many residents in the Arid and semi-arid counties have had a drought situation that has negatively impacted their pastoral livelihood, and has resulted in a fourth consecutive failed season.

The number of people in need of aid has gone from 3.1 million in February to 4.1 million this month.

Cash transfers under KSEIP are Older Persons cash transfer OPCT persons with Severe Disabilities PWSD and Orphans and Vulnerable Children OVC under the overall Inua Jamiii programme.

NDMA is currently enrolling poor and vulnerable households in Isiolo, Garissa, Samburu, and Tana River counties with the intention of bringing on board an additional 32,000 households under the program.