Nairobi: The government has affirmed its commitment to ending drought emergencies in the country as it transitions into the Second Phase of the Common Programme Framework for Ending Drought Emergencies (EDE CPF II). This is a strategic roadmap that will guide the country through to the year 2032.
According to Kenya News Agency, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, the ASALS and Regional Development Beatrice Askul said the framework provides a common strategy around which all stakeholders can harmonize their interventions in support of sustainable livelihoods in Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs). Speaking during a high-level consultative meeting on the draft EDE CPF II in Nairobi, Askul said the persistence of drought in the country, including the national emergency declared in the year 2021, reminds us that there is much more to do to ensure sustainable livelihood.
Askul highlighted that the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) make up more than 80% of Kenya’s national landmass and yet remain at the epicenter of climate crises like droughts. She noted that these regions possess potential, endowed with natural resources and strategic economic importance, and the government is on track in unlocking this potential. The speaker reported that Kenya experiences an increase in frequent, severe, and prolonged droughts, affecting 1.5 to 4.9 million Kenyans annually.
The 2021-2023 drought cost over Sh 71 billion in response, resulting in losses of 12.1 billion US Dollars between 2008 and 2011. Thus, the Ending Drought Emergencies (EDE) initiative is a multi-stakeholder platform focusing on long-term resilience, coordination, and sustainable development to prevent future droughts from escalating into national emergencies.
Askul emphasized that the meeting was not just a reflection on past efforts but a reaffirmation of a shared vision and a collective path as the nation transitions into the second phase of this vital national initiative. Drawing from past lessons, the framework is anchored on three Priority Action Areas: Investment in Foundations for Development and Resilience Building; and Coordination, Institutional Development, and Knowledge Management.
The framework transitions from sectoral to integrated, systems-level interventions, involving extensive consultations with counties, ministries, the Council of Governors, private sector, civil society, and development partners. Askul stated that the EDE CPF II initiative is grounded in two fundamental truths. First, drought emergencies are rooted in structural vulnerability-in poverty, inequality, and underinvestment. Secondly, these challenges are too complex to be tackled in silos; they demand integrated, cross-sectoral collaboration between State and non-State actors, and across all levels of Government.
She noted the first phase of EDE CPF I implemented during 2013-2022 laid an important foundation by strengthening coordination and establishing drought risk management systems across many counties. The CS said this reality makes it clear that it is essential to move beyond emergency response-from reactive crisis management to proactive risk reduction, which is the essence of the Ending Drought Emergencies (EDE) initiative.
Askul stated that the success of EDE CPF II depends on sustained political will, institutional alignment, and inclusive financing. She highlighted the need to mobilize the private sector and non-State actors to join hands in building long-term resilience. The priorities of EDE must be embedded into key planning frameworks, including County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), the national Medium-Term Plans, and sector-specific Strategic Plans.
She acknowledged the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) for its leadership in steering this process and expressed gratitude to development partners for their steadfast support. She concluded by urging a reimagining of the ASALs, not as Kenya’s most vulnerable region, but as a frontier of inclusive and sustainable growth.
