The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with the State Department for Interior and National Administration, today convened an inter-county peace meeting in Sericho Location, Isiolo County, as a proactive measure to defuse rising drought-related tensions and avert the escalation of resource-based conflict.

The meeting was held against the backdrop of a worsening drought situation across arid and semi-arid counties following the poor performance of the October-December 2025 short rains season. The season was characterised by late onset, poor distribution, and early cessation, with most ASAL areas receiving less than 75 percent of normal rainfall. This has slowed recovery from the rains and led to rapid depletion of water and pasture, placing increased strain on livelihoods and food security.

Currently, Mandera County is classified in the Alarm drought phase, while nine counties, including Turkana, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kilifi, Kwale, and Tana River, are in the Alert phase. Several counties in the Normal phase are also showing worsening trends, particularly in water access and livestock productivity, raising the risk of further deterioration during the January-March 2026 dry season.

Recurrent drought in arid and semi-arid areas increases competition over scarce water and pasture, while conflict disrupts livelihoods, weakens social cohesion, and undermines community resilience. Along the Isiolo-Garissa corridor, these combined pressures have contributed to repeated insecurity flare-ups, displacement, and stalled local development, underlining the need for integrated approaches that integrate peacebuilding, resilience efforts, and inclusive community engagement.

Isiolo County received some rainfall during the short rains season, but the amounts were below the long-term average. Consequently, Sericho Location in Garbatulla Sub-County is experiencing a large influx of livestock from within the county and neighbouring areas that received comparatively less or no rainfall. This has increased pressure on grazing areas and water points, strained relations between communities, and raised the risk of resource-based conflict.

Read full statement Government convenes inter-county peace meeting to defuse drought-related tensions in Isiolo County