Rabai, Kenya – The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has assured residents of Kilifi County and Kenyans at large that the government is determined to ensure no citizen loses their life due to drought or floods.
Speaking in Rabai, Kilifi County, the CS acknowledged the growing hardship facing several counties in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), where prolonged dry spells have left communities grappling with severe shortages of food, water, and pasture for livestock.
Many of the affected counties experience recurring losses of animals—and at times human lives—during extended dry seasons. In some parts of Kilifi, thousands of residents have been forced to share the remaining water sources with livestock, while others trek long distances in search of water.
Ruku said the government, through his ministry and in collaboration with development partners, is implementing both short-term relief measures and long-term strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and breaking the persistent cycle of drought.
“The government has put measures in place to cushion Kenyans in counties that have been hit hard by the ongoing drought. Climate change has caused havoc in many countries, and our country has not been spared either. That is why we must act urgently as we plan long-term mitigation strategies,” Ruku stated.
He emphasized that interventions include strengthening early warning systems, enhancing water access projects, and improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to protect vulnerable communities from both drought and floods.
The CS further called upon leaders in the affected counties to work closely with the national government to end what he described as perennial suffering among residents.
“I believe when we work together as leaders, across the political divide, we can achieve a lot for this country that has entrusted us with responsibility. Let us join hands and ensure we deliver quality services to Kenyans,” he added.
Kenya’s ASAL regions remain among the most climate-vulnerable areas, with erratic rainfall patterns increasingly disrupting livelihoods dependent on rain-fed agriculture and livestock. The government’s renewed commitment signals an intensified focus on resilience-building efforts as communities continue to navigate the impacts of climate variability.
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