Marsabit:The RANGE (Resilient Approaches in Natural Rangelands Ecosystems) Crisis Modifier has been launched as an anticipatory action mechanism to strengthen preparedness in Marsabit, Isiolo, and Samburu counties. This initiative aims to protect communities, livestock, infrastructure, and livelihoods from the potential impacts of the forecasted October-December 2026 El Niño rains.
According to Kenya News Agency, the RANGE programme is a five-year initiative running from 2024 to 2028, funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ embassy in Kenya, with 4% of its £15 million investment allocated to anticipatory actions. The programme’s goal is to enhance the resilience of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities by promoting sustainable livelihoods and better management of natural resources.
During the launch, Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande praised the RANGE consortium, which includes Mercy Corps, the Frontier Counties Development Council, and the University of Twente’s Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, among others, for their proactive approach. He highlighted the importance of preparedness in saving lives and reducing disaster response costs, calling for interventions like rangeland reseeding and livestock vaccination.
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, through County Chief of Staff Abdo Alla, emphasized the necessity for early preparedness to manage the expected rains effectively. The county plans to prioritize drainage system rehabilitation and rangeland restoration to mitigate potential flooding and other adverse effects of excessive rainfall.
Mercy Corps Country Director William Barron underscored the significance of partnerships between governments, communities, and development organizations in implementing the RANGE programme. The initiative aims to deliver timely interventions during emergencies, with a focus on locally led solutions.
The initiative also introduced an e-voucher system for livestock vaccination to improve access to veterinary services, especially in remote areas. This system is expected to enhance vaccination planning and accountability while expanding private veterinary participation.
Dr. Bonface Kaberia, RANGE Programme Director, outlined the allocation of funds for various anticipatory actions, including drainage clearance and livestock offtake, to support communities during heavy rains. The programme also features a cash-for-work component to provide temporary income to vulnerable households engaged in these activities.
Local leaders and stakeholders, such as Sagante/Jaldesa Ward Development Committee Chairperson Abdub Dido, welcomed the preparedness measures, noting the shift from traditional emergency response to anticipatory action. The initiative is seen as a vital step in building a safer and more resilient region in the face of climate change challenges.
