Isiolo Hosts Inter-County Talks as Drought Fuels Resource Tensions

25 January 2026 - By The national government over the weekend convened an inter-county peace meeting in Isiolo County as drought conditions raise the risk of conflict with neighbouring counties.

The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with the State Department for Interior and National Administration, held a meeting in Sericho, Garbatulla Sub-County, to address emerging tensions linked to competition for scarce water and pasture.

Following the poor performance of the October–December 2025 short rains season, which was characterised by late onset, uneven distribution and early cessation, the NDMA has reported that most arid and semi-arid areas received less than 75% of normal rainfall.

This has led to rapid depletion of water and pasture, increasing pressure on livelihoods and food security.

Isiolo County received some rainfall during the short rains season, but amounts remained below the long-term average.

This has triggered an influx of livestock into Sericho Location from within the county and neighbouring areas that received little or no rainfall, increasing pressure on grazing areas and water points.