The Government of Kenya has launched a major relief food distribution exercise to cushion drought-stricken households in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geofrey Ruku, on Tuesday flagged off a convoy of over ten trucks carrying food supplies to Turkana and Mandera Counties, where more than 500,000 families are expected to benefit.

The consignment is projected to last for at least a month as the government rolls out mass distribution across 23 drought-affected ASAL counties.

Speaking during the ceremony, CS Ruku, who was joined by Members of Parliament from Turkana and Mandera, assured Kenyans that the government has placed enough food reserves to avert loss of life.

“Under the leadership of H.E. President William Ruto, we have adequate food reserves to ensure no Kenyan dies of hunger, even as the October–December rains are expected to perform poorly,” CS Ruku said.

The Cabinet Secretary reiterated the government’s long-term commitment to achieving food security through expanded irrigation projects, improved agricultural practices, water resource development, and strategic warehousing of food reserves.

He further affirmed the Ministry’s readiness to deliver relief food to the last mile, in line with Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, ensuring that every vulnerable family in any part of the country receives assistance.

The intervention comes as drought conditions persist across northern Kenya, leaving thousands of households reliant on humanitarian support.