The Kenyan government is launching an urgent, large-scale relief food distribution next week for over 1.7 million people in 23 arid and semi-arid counties, anticipating worsening conditions due to forecasted below-average rainfall from October to December.

• Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku announced the initiative after meeting with regional and county commissioners in Nairobi, emphasizing the government's proactive approach.
• The Ministry of Special Programmes will lead the operation, working with National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to ensure transparent and fair distribution to the most vulnerable households, with CS Ruku stating, “No Kenyan will starve.”
• The government is also finalizing a National Relief Assistance Policy to improve efficiency and transparency in aid delivery and investing in long-term resilience projects like irrigation and dam construction.