Gov’t scales up drought relief, development projects in Baringo
Christopher Kiprop-KNA
The Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes has intensified drought relief and development initiatives in Baringo County as part of broader efforts to cushion vulnerable families and enhance resilience in arid and semi-arid regions.
During a visit to Kolowa and Chemolingot in Tiaty Constituency, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Geoffrey Ruku, led a government delegation in distributing food and non-food items to households affected by prolonged drought.
The emergency intervention was conducted under the State Department for Special Programmes, which is coordinating humanitarian responses in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) across the country.
Ruku, said the government is committed to addressing the immediate needs of communities facing food insecurity while laying the groundwork for sustainable development. “We continue to support vulnerable communities across the country in response to droughts and other emerging humanitarian crises,” he said.
The CS was accompanied by local leaders including Tiaty MP William Kamket, Baringo County Woman Representative Jematiah Sergon, and Kacheliba MP Titus Lotee. The leaders lauded the initiative and urged for sustained government support to mitigate the impact of failed rains and food scarcity in the region.
In addition to relief efforts, the government is implementing several long-term development projects to address water scarcity and boost food production. Among them is the Cheraik Irrigation Project, which is already operational, and the Radat Dam, currently under construction. The Chemeron Dam is also being rehabilitated to supply water to over 10,500 households and more than 150,000 livestock.
The projects are aimed at improving water access in Baringo, where only 39 percent of residents had reliable water sources according to the 2019 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics census—a figure that may have declined due to successive droughts.
Under the coordination of the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), the government has also commissioned 14 additional water infrastructure projects, including boreholes, earth dams, and water pans, expected to benefit over 5,000 households and support more than 110,000 livestock.
Ruku reiterated the ministry’s commitment to citizen-centered and evidence-based programmes aligned with President William Ruto’s development agenda. He said the initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to foster food security, human capital development, and social empowerment.
He noted that macroeconomic improvements under the Kenya Kwanza administration are creating a conducive environment for development.
“Our economy is stabilizing. Inflation has dropped from 9.8 percent to 3.8 percent, the shilling is among the best-performing currencies globally, and the Central Bank lending rate has declined from 13 percent to 9.8 percent,” said Ruku.
Improved security has also enabled access to previously volatile areas.
A recent UN report indicated a 30 percent drop in conflict incidents in Kenya’s arid regions between 2022 and 2024, attributed to enhanced security measures. Local leaders acknowledged the progress, citing Tiaty as a region that was once a no-go zone but now hosts high-level government visits.
In line with President Ruto’s directive to establish a Huduma Centre in every sub-county, the ministry plans to operationalize two Huduma Centres in Tiaty Constituency. This is expected to enhance access to key public services such as ID registration and social protection programs, and reduce travel distances for residents seeking government services.
Currently, 58 Huduma Centres are operational across the country, with 30 more under construction.
The day’s visit concluded with an assurance from the CS that more targeted programs in food security, infrastructure, and peace-building will be rolled out to support livelihoods and promote sustainable development in the region.
During the exercise, over 300 bags of assorted food items were distributed to the area residents with promise for more in the coming weeks.