WAJIR, Kenya — The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have distributed clean water to residents of Elema Settlement in Sabuli Sub-County, Wajir County, in a humanitarian intervention aimed at cushioning vulnerable households against severe drought.
Troops based at Dadajabula spearheaded the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) mission, delivering water to families whose livelihoods have been strained by prolonged dry spells that have depleted water sources and threatened livestock survival.
The exercise comes as northern Kenya continues to grapple with recurring drought cycles linked to climate variability.
According to reports by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), arid and semi-arid counties remain among the hardest hit, with water scarcity posing risks to food security and public health.
In a statement, KDF officials said the intervention sought to strengthen relations between the military and local communities while responding to urgent humanitarian needs.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting communities within our Area of Responsibility, not only in matters of security but also in preserving livelihoods and safeguarding well-being,” a military officer involved in the mission said.
Local leaders and elders held consultative talks with military commanders during the exercise.
They commended residents for maintaining cooperation with security agencies in sustaining stability across the region.
Community representatives welcomed the water distribution, describing it as timely.
“The drought has affected both people and livestock. Access to clean water has been a major challenge. We appreciate the KDF for stepping in during this difficult period,” one elder said.
Sabuli Sub-County lies within Kenya’s arid belt, where communities largely depend on pastoralism.
Prolonged dry seasons often lead to livestock losses, migration, and resource-based conflicts.
Security agencies have previously emphasized the link between climate stress and local instability in vulnerable regions.
The KDF’s Civil-Military Cooperation framework is designed to build trust between security forces and civilian populations, particularly in areas prone to insecurity.
Beyond combat operations, the military periodically undertakes medical camps, infrastructure support, and emergency response initiatives in collaboration with county authorities.
Analysts note that such engagements serve dual purposes addressing immediate humanitarian needs while reinforcing community-based security models.
Under Article 241 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, the KDF’s mandate includes defending and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic.
While primarily a security institution, it may assist civilian authorities in times of emergency or disaster, subject to constitutional safeguards.
Residents in Elema Settlement said the intervention has helped stabilize daily life amid dwindling water supplies.
However, they called for longer-term investments in boreholes and water infrastructure to mitigate future crises.
