The government has reinforced its commitment to building resilience and sustainable livelihoods in Arid and Semi-Arid Land counties with the official flag-off of a camel restocking programme in Marsabit county.
In an event in Butiye ward of Moyale constituency, ASALs and Regional Development PS Kello Harsama launched the distribution of 100 camels to pastoral households.
The event marked the start of a countywide exercise that will see 400 camels distributed, 100 each to Moyale, Saku, Laisamis and North Horr constituencies.
Coordinated by the National Drought Management Authority, the programme targets households hardest hit by the devastating 2021–23 drought, which wiped out large herds and left many families without a source of income and food.
Beneficiaries were identified through a rigorous vetting process involving National Government Administration Officers, NDMA officials and village elders, ensuring the most vulnerable families are reached.
Speaking during the flag-off, PS Harsama said the camel restocking programme is a practical and sustainable approach to rebuilding livelihoods in ASALs areas.
“In total, 400 families across Marsabit will each receive a camel. This is not just an aid initiative it is an investment in resilience. Camels are drought-tolerant, provide milk, generate income and serve as reliable transport in harsh terrain,” he said.
The initiative aligns with President William Ruto’s vision of a food-secure, self-reliant and climate-resilient Kenya.
Under his administration, targeted interventions have been prioritised to help communities adapt to the realities of climate change, especially in drought-prone regions.
The President has consistently underscored that empowering communities with the means to sustainably produce food and generate income is central to achieving long-term economic stability.
Similar livestock restocking efforts have been rolled out in Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Garissa and Wajir, where NDMA has complemented camel and goat distribution with training in herd management, animal health and feed support to improve survival rates.
Local leaders, including Moyale MP Guyo Waqo Jaldesa and Butiye MCA Diid Omar welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention that will not only provide immediate relief but also serve as a foundation for long-term economic recovery.
Beneficiaries in Butiye expressed optimism that the camels would help them rebuild their livelihoods, restore their herds and secure a better future for their families.
The Kenya Kwanza administration’s broader strategy for ASALs anchored in resilience, adaptation and sustainability is steadily transforming drought-hit regions into zones of opportunity.
Through initiatives like this, the administration is not only responding to emergencies but also equipping communities to thrive despite the challenges of a changing climate.
