Mandera South Drought Relief Intensified: Urgent Aid for Affected Families

January 19, 2026 - Mandera South Constituency has entered the second phase of drought relief operations as government agencies and partners scale up support for vulnerable households affected by the prolonged dry spell. Under the Government of Kenya (GoK) relief food programme, Kotulo Sub-County has received four truckloads of food supplies, while Elwak in Mandera Central Sub-County has received six truckloads. Additional consignments are already en route to other distribution centres within the constituency. The latest deliveries come on top of an earlier consignment of four trucks each for Kotulo and Elwak that was launched weeks ago, marking a significant expansion of relief efforts as drought conditions continue to persist. Cash-based assistance has also been strengthened, with GoK cash transfers increased and the World Food Programme (WFP) rolling out cash support to targeted families across the two sub-counties. These interventions aim to help households meet basic needs, maintain food access and ease pressure during the drought period. Non-governmental partners are also complementing government efforts. Humanitarian agencies are preparing to roll out a Ramadan relief programme targeting vulnerable households across Mandera South Constituency, with an estimated 400 families per ward expected to benefit across the five wards. To protect livelihoods, efforts are underway to supply animal feed to help save livestock severely affected by the drought. Water trucking operations are also continuing across all centres to ensure access to safe and reliable water for communities, particularly in remote settlements. The ongoing relief measures are expected to cushion affected families, support household stability and help sustain education, nutrition and health services during the challenging period. The national government has been acknowledged for its swift response, while residents have been commended for their patience and resilience as drought mitigation interventions continue to be implemented across Mandera South Constituency.