The National Government has rolled out a cash transfer program to poverty-stricken Kenyans in 13 counties today.

The program is part of an implementation of President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive to the National Treasury on Mashujaa Day celebrations to release Sh1.5 billion to vulnerable communities after declaring drought a national disaster.

Under the program which is being implemented by an interministerial committee drawn from Devolution, Interior, and Social Protection Department, poverty-stricken Kenyans and those affected by drought are to benefit from cash transfer.

The first phase of the program will be rolled out in 13 counties and later scaled up to add to ten counties.

Social Protection Principal Secretary Nelson Marua said the new strategy is aimed at enhancing seal loopholes through which relief food is meant for the less privileged in society.

The government will continue with the prong approach of cash transfer and relief food distribution for the remaining two months of the year.

The livestock off-take program will also begin next week where the government plans to purchase livestock, slaughter, and distribute meat among the families within the same locality.

2.5 million Kenyans in 23 counties are facing acute food shortages as drought continues to ravage most parts of the country.