The National Steering Committee on Drought Response has signed a deal with the Media Owners Association to disseminate information touching on Wakenya Tulindane campaign.

The critical agreement comes as the 15-member committee formed by President William Ruto two months ago has raised Sh650 million so far for drought mitigation across the country.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, who chairs the committee, has lauded the partnership with MOA saying it will help update Kenyans on their drought mitigation efforts being realised.

“We also appreciate that as the ears and eyes on the ground, they likely know what is going on in different parts of the country. I foresee this as a healthy, collaborative partnership to make sure that all Kenyans are covered and no one sleeps hungry,” said Ndegwa.

Funds raised by the committee have been used to distribute food in some of the counties ravaged by the ongoing drought including Mandera, Kitui, Kilifi, Samburu and Meru.

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The interventions by the committee have seen food donations reach up to 85,000 people in the five affected counties.

The newest National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) report shows Kilifi, Mandera, Marsabit Samburu, Turkana, Wajir, Isiolo, Kitui and Kajiado Counties are in the Alarm stage.

The NDMA report also revealed that Embu, Narok, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Meru, Nyeri and Lamu Counties are currently in the Alert drought phase.

“I appreciate the partnerships that we are cultivating towards drought mitigation. The task ahead of us requires partnerships and wider participation by the all citizens of Kenya,” Ndegwa stated.

Drought has continued to worsen in 21 of the 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties due to four failed successive rain seasons, late onset and poorly distributed 2022 short rain season.

The government says the number of people who need humanitarian aid presently stands at 4.35 million due to 2022 Long Rains, Food and Nutritional Security Assessment Report.