The Government has received rice donations worth Sh360 Million from the People's Republic of China to be distributed to over 2.8 million people in 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) Counties.

The donation aims at boosting food security in the ASAL counties facing increased vulnerability of ecosystems and livelihoods due to the below normal March-May and April to June expected rainfall.

The deteriorating outlook is also linked to the fragile recovery from the 2021-2023 drought, following five consecutive failed rain seasons.

Speaking in Kumpa, Kajiado Central during the launch of the food donations, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands & Regional Development, Beatrice Askul emphasized the importance of building resilience among communities to be able to cope with the adverse effects of climate change.