ReliefWeb

Operational Updates

WFP finalized construction of a 100,000m3 water dam for livestock, a 30,000m3 water pan for horticulture, and spate irrigation structures to divert floodwaters to 50 hectares of land in Kalobeyei was finalized. This will contribute to improved reliability of water supply for refugees and host community members, as the structures will facilitate water harvesting during the anticipated long rains set to commence mid-April. It is expected that they will address challenges related to water scarcity and facilitate increased agricultural production for both refugee and host populations.

WFP handed over vehicles, computers and other equipment from the emergency cash transfer programme Chakula kwa Jami to the Department for Special Programmes to augment the capacity of the Government in emergency preparedness and response through cash transfers. Beneficiary data has also been prepared to link to the national Single Registry. Chakula kwa Jamii was a government-funded programme, whereby WFP - on request from the Government - provided technical support during the implementation of the emergency cash transfer programme in response to the 2017 drought emergency.

WFP handed over 240 energy saving stoves and 12 computers to Turkana County Early Childhood Development Education Programme. This support will assist the county to manage the programme and improve transition rates to primary schools.

WFP will continue to support the management of the early childhood development education centres in the county and broaden capacity strengthening support to the county as outlined in a new memorandum of understanding, to be signed with the county government in April 2019.
WFP distributed food assistance in Marsabit, Tana River, Turkana and Wajir counties, and cash transfers in Isiolo County as part of resilient livelihoods programming. Distribution of food in Garissa and Mandera counties, and cash to Baringo and Samburu counties will be finalized in April.

The nutrition sector, of which WFP is a part of, is currently undertaking a mass screening of malnutrition levels in the thirteen priority arid and semi-arid counties affected by the drought to facilitate early identification and referral of treatment for children and pregnant and nursing mothers. The mass screening will reveal the severity of the nutrition situation and facilitate decision making on programming.