PaymentHSNP has released a total of 0.9 billion Kenyan shillings to 166,738 households (approx. 1,000,428 people) on 15th April, 2015 across the four worst drought hit counties of Mandera, Wajir, Turkana and Marsabit. It is a first for Kenya and the region to do at this scale.
On 15th April 2015, HSNP released a one off Kshs.416,710,700.00 shock responsive cash transfers to 90,648 households (approx. 543,888 people) bank accounts across the four poorest and drought hit Counties as emergency drought response measure. Further on 5th May 2015, an additional Kshs.447,496,150.00 will be released to 76,090 households who are regular HSNP beneficiaries in the four Counties.
Credible international meteorological reports shows that the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) of January-March 2015, the vegetation cover was deteriorating substantially in parts of the four counties (Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera and Turkana) reached by HSNP.“Timely delivery of cash transfers in response to drought emergencies has proven to be more effective as it provides flexible assistance on how a household chooses to cope with the drought situation. It also provides dignity to these households.” James Oduor.
“We believe this quick intervention and of this magnitude will provide a form of safety net that will cushion thousands of people from the current drought and further sinking into poverty by adapting harmful coping strategies such as selling of assets,” says James Oduor.
Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya, guarantees all Kenyans their economic, social, and cultural (ESC) rights. It asserts the “right for every person to social security and binds the State to provide appropriate social security to persons who are unable to support themselves and their dependants.”
Read: PRESS RELEASE ON HSNP EMERGENCY PAYMENTS
Read: HSNP emergency payment as covered by online Daily Nation