By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
28 December 2025 - As drought tightens its grip across parts of Northern Kenya, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) is turning to preventive diplomacy to stem conflict driven by scarcity.
A cross-county peace dialogue convened by the agency in Garbatulla brought together communities from Meru, Isiolo and Garissa in an effort to avert violence linked to competition over dwindling pasture and water.
The forum reflected growing concern that prolonged dry conditions are not only a humanitarian challenge but also a security threat.
Local administrators, elders, grazing and peace committee members, alongside women and youth representatives, painted a picture of recurring clashes fuelled by unplanned livestock migration, contested boundaries and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
Banditry, participants noted, often spikes when herders are pushed into unfamiliar or disputed areas in search of survival.
NDMA Chief Executive Officer Lt. Col (Rtd) Hared Adan framed the dialogue as a critical tool in managing drought beyond relief aid.
He emphasised that equitable access to resources and sustained communication between neighbouring communities are essential to preventing crises before they erupt.
“Peace is built on cooperation and responsible sharing of pasture and water, especially during drought,” Adan said, underscoring the need to move from talk to action.
He also called for stronger inclusion of women and youth in peace mechanisms, arguing that durable solutions require voices from across the social spectrum.
Related articles
The meeting comes as Isiolo and Garissa counties remain in the ‘Alert’ phase of drought, with national and county governments rolling out response measures such as food assistance, water trucking and livestock support.
While these interventions address immediate needs, officials acknowledge that they do little to resolve the underlying tensions that flare when resources run low.
Administrators at the forum stressed that planned and negotiated migration—coordinated through elders and peace committees—remains one of the most effective ways to reduce cross-border conflict.
Participants agreed that early consultation and clear agreements can help communities navigate drought periods without resorting to violence.
The Garbatulla dialogue signals a broader shift toward integrating peacebuilding into drought management.
As climate shocks become more frequent, NDMA’s approach suggests that averting crisis will increasingly depend not just on emergency aid, but on sustained cooperation among communities sharing fragile ecosystems.
NDMA Pushes Cross-County Dialogue to Head Off Drought-Linked Conflict
Communities Dialogue in Garbatulla to Avert Resource Clashes
