The Government of Kenya and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their strong partnership in strengthening resilience and food security in the country’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
The Principal Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development, Mr. Harsama Kello, hosted Madam Eduarda Mendonça Gray, the Deputy Development Director of the British High Commission in Nairobi, alongside her delegation and officials from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).
According to an update by the State Department, the meeting underscored the continued collaboration between Kenya and the UK in implementing the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP), which currently supports vulnerable households in eight counties.
Under the upcoming Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project II (KSEIP II), running from 2025 to 2030, HSNP will expand its coverage to all 23 ASAL counties, scaling up social protection for millions of households exposed to drought and climate shocks.
PS Harsama Kello highlighted that with the support of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), HSNP has grown into a flagship government programme, setting the pace for effective social protection systems in Kenya.
He further noted the rollout of HSNP-Plus, a new component that integrates climate resilience, green livelihoods, and job creation to help communities build long-term sustainability beyond cash transfers.
“HSNP-Plus is not just about protecting households during crises, but about equipping ASAL communities with opportunities to adapt, thrive, and secure a sustainable future,” said Mr. Kello.
The British High Commission’s Deputy Development Director reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s social protection agenda, emphasizing that inclusive and climate-smart programmes are essential to building resilience in the Horn of Africa.
As Kenya continues to grapple with recurrent droughts and economic vulnerabilities in ASAL regions, the expansion of HSNP represents a critical step toward reducing poverty, strengthening food security, and promoting peace and stability.