By Adan Mohamed - Reporter
18 December 2025 - Nomadic pastoralist livelihoods in Mandera County are under serious threat as the ongoing drought continues to intensify across the region, forcing families to migrate in search of water and pasture for their livestock.
Pastoralists from various parts of the county have moved to neighbouring counties as local water sources and grazing fields dry up.
In Mandera West and Banisa sub-counties, herders have migrated to Bute in Wajir North, an area believed to have received some rainfall.
In Mandera South and Lafey sub-counties, pastoralists have crossed into parts of Tana River County with their livestock in search of pasture and water.
However, area leaders have raised concerns that some pastoralists who have migrated may be reluctant to return to their homes, raising fears of potential resource-based conflicts in host areas.
“The prolonged dry spell has depleted water sources and pasture, forcing many families to move to neighbouring counties in search of survival for their livestock.If urgent interventions are not undertaken, this movement could lead to resource-based conflicts,” said Mandera County Commissioner James Chacha.
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The county commissioner urged those who have migrated to return home once the drought situation improves to avoid tensions and conflict over scarce resources.
“When the drought is over and the rains return, everyone should come back to Mandera. We want to focus on development and avoid creating new problems through resource-based conflicts,” he said.
With pastoralism supporting nearly 60 per cent of Mandera County’s population, the drought poses a serious threat to food security, livelihoods, and overall stability in the region.
Leaders are now calling on both county and national governments to urgently scale up drought mitigation measures, including water trucking, designated grazing zones, livestock support, and food assistance, to prevent further displacement and ease pressure on host communities.
As the dry conditions persist, residents fear that delays in response could escalate humanitarian needs and heighten tensions over increasingly scarce resources.
