By Adan Mohamed - Reporter
January 09 2026 - As drought continues to ravage Mandera County, the national government, in partnership with the county government, has scaled up coordinated drought-response measures to address severe water shortages affecting communities across the region.
Through the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), authorities are currently supporting water trucking to 85 sites in Mandera North, Mandera West and Banisa constituencies — among the areas hardest hit by the prolonged dry spell.
NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hared Hassan, alongside County Executive Committee Member for Water Dr. Mohamud Eda, visited a water-trucking point in Awara Settlement, Mandera North, where the intervention is providing essential water supply to 120 households and a nearby primary school.
The NDMA-supported sites form part of a wider network of 266 water-trucking distribution points currently serving drought-affected communities across Mandera County. The remaining sites are being supported by the county government and other humanitarian partners operating in the area.
In addition to water trucking, NDMA has rolled out fuel subsidies to 12 strategic boreholes across the three constituencies to sustain water pumping operations and ease pressure on overstretched facilities serving both households and livestock.
The enhanced interventions are expected to offer temporary relief as communities continue to grapple with water scarcity, livestock distress and rising household vulnerability caused by the ongoing drought.
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“Water access remains a priority for affected communities, and coordinated support is key to reaching families in the most remote settlements,” said NDMA CEO Hared Hassan.
He noted that the response reflects a whole-of-government approach, with multiple ministries — including those of agriculture and livestock — involved in the drought response. Funds have already been disbursed to support interventions such as livestock feed supply to cushion pastoral livelihoods.
At the county level, the Department of Water reiterated its commitment to expanding additional water-trucking points and ensuring optimal use of existing boreholes, alongside rapid maintenance of strategic water facilities across affected areas.
Humanitarian partners and technical teams continue to monitor the evolving situation as communities call for sustained support to protect lives and livelihoods in Mandera County.
