Marsabit Deputy Governor: KSh1.04bn KfW funds not meant for El Niño response

By Samuel Kosgei

Marsabit Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo has clarified that funds the county is set to receive alongside Turkana from Germany’s KfW Development Bank are not specifically meant for El Niño preparedness.

Gubo says the funding is aimed at strengthening drought resilience and climate preparedness. The Drought Resilience Programme in Northern Kenya was initially funded by KfW in 2018, with additional financing secured this year.

Under the latest funding package, Marsabit is set to receive an additional KSh1.04 billion, while Turkana will also receive funding.

However, Gubo says the county plans to spend KSh100 million from its emergency fund to respond to possible impacts of the El Niño rains. He says the amount is insufficient, as there is no specific budget allocation for the rains.

The Deputy Governor says the County Administration Department may also have to use its KSh200 million allocation to address challenges that may arise during the rainy season.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday during a meeting on the county’s preparedness with non-governmental organisations under the County Steering Group, Gubo said the Agriculture Department plans to purchase suitable seeds for some farmers, while the Health Department is preparing to ensure adequate supplies of medicine.

He added that other county departments are also making preparations within their respective areas.