The government of Kenya will invest Sh1.6 billion (approximately R200 million) Kenyan shillings in water and other projects to empower citizens in drought-prone and marginalised counties.

In the Devolution ministry’s 2015 projections report, Cabinet Secretary Ann Waigiru said Sh945 million (approximately R120 million) has been contributed by Danida and Sh675 million (approximately R85 million) by the European Union, the Star reported.

The project, which mostly targets North Eastern counties, is a continuation of the medium-term Arid and Semi-Arid Lands programme.

It first ran from October 2011 to June 2014 at a cost of Sh 1.62 billion.

This second phase, which will spend a similar amount, will run until 2016.

The programme will be implemented through the ASAL directorate in the Devolution ministry.

According to the Star, projects planned include direct investment in water to improve production and livelihoods and devolution of natural resources and economic development to county and community levels.

Other initiatives include natural resource management and supporting private sector development and investments.

The plan aims to contribute to reduced poverty in the context of Kenya’s Vision 2030, safeguard the environment and promote sustainable management of natural resources.

Initiatives so far undertaken include exploration of groundwater resources in Isiolo county, as well as supporting development of four County Integrated Development Plans for Isiolo, Lamu, Marsabit and Tana River.

The ministry said that in Mandera, Marsabit, Turkana and Wajir counties, 64 794 households have been provided with cash transfers.

Recipients receive Sh2 300 per household every month under the Hunger Safety Net Programme.

This is an unconditional cash transfer and a safety net building social protection programme, which focuses on alleviating extreme hunger and poverty, the ministry said.

–the Star