Programming framework to end drought emergencies in the Horn of Africa

This document presents the Kenya Country Programming Framework for ending recurrent drought emergencies in Kenya. It combines the efforts of the communities concerned, the Government of Kenya, civil society, the private sector, states in the Horn of Africa, and development partners.

The framework begins from the premise that because droughts have a slow-onset nature and are predictable, better management of their impact on communities is possible and will eliminate their worst effects. The focus is on creating a more conducive environment for building drought resilience. Stronger foundations and institutions for development in drought-prone areas will increase the efficiency and impact of all activities across all sectors, whether led by government, the private sector, or communities themselves. 

This paper signals two important changes in the Government of Kenya’s approach to drought management. The first of these is the recognition that successive drought emergencies are an indicator of chronic vulnerability. They will only be ended through investment in the foundations necessary for sustainable development. These foundations, echoing Kenya Vision 2030, include peace and security, climate-proofed infrastructure, and human capacities in education, health and nutrition. In all these areas the arid lands lag behind other parts of Kenya. Pastoralism will fully thrive, like any other production system, once these basic life-support mechanisms are put in place.

The second direction of change is in the institutional and financing frameworks. The Government has established a National Drought Management Authority. This is a specialised, permanent institution to ensure coordinated, high-quality interventions at all stages of the drought cycle. It will be supported by a contingency financing facility which will enable timely response to the earliest signs of drought and in doing so prevent the downward spiral into crisis which has sadly become all too familiar. The Authority will lead the Government’s efforts in achieving the goals set out in this strategy.