Kitui Hosts WFP and KOICA Ahead of Climate Resilience, Food Security Project Rollout

By YOANA KIMWELE

Kitui County has stepped up preparations for a major climate resilience and food security initiative set to benefit vulnerable communities across five counties in the Horn of Africa region.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, on Tuesday hosted a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) ahead of the rollout of a Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)-funded project aimed at strengthening climate resilience and enhancing food security.

The project, titled “Building Climate Resilience for Food Security in Fragile Settings of the Horn of Africa,” will be implemented from February 2026 to November 2027 in Kitui, Makueni, Garissa, Wajir and Baringo counties.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Mbaya welcomed the partnership, noting that the initiative will play a key role in cushioning farmers and pastoralists against climate-related shocks while boosting sustainable livelihoods.

The programme is anchored on three strategic pillars: anticipatory action through the dissemination of downscaled climate information to help communities prepare for climate risks; promotion of crop and livestock insurance and financial inclusion through formation of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), financial literacy and insurance linkages; and strengthening of soil and water conservation alongside promotion of climate-resilient value chains, post-harvest management, value addition, aggregation and market access.

The meeting brought together county leadership, technical officers, representatives from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) and WFP officials to align implementation strategies. NDMA provided an update on the current food security situation to guide planning and targeted interventions.

Among those present were Chief Officer for Agriculture and Fisheries Gladys Kivoto, Chief Officer for Livestock and Apiculture Jonathan Kyambi, WFP Team Leader Caroline Muchai, County NDMA Director Eunice Mutuku, Joel Mutiso (NDMA), Dr. Daniel Kangogo (WFP), Phyllis Kariuki (WFP), Julius Kising’, Faith Nyamai and other senior county government officials.

The project is expected to strengthen climate adaptation measures, improve food production systems and enhance resilience among communities vulnerable to drought and food insecurity across the participating counties.

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