For a long time, those ravaged by hunger in different parts of the country have often sort help from Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations. They have often received food aid. But under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP), those identified as vulnerable to hunger (orphans, vulnerable children and persons with disability) receive cash. This gives them the opportunity to choose what they want to do with the money. They can buy food and clothing, among other things.
You need to know the following about the fund:
1. Launched in 2016
HSNP was launched in 2016 to reduce extreme hunger by delivering regular and unconditional cash transfers to those affected. Every two months, the affected individuals and households receive Sh5,400.
2. Implemented in ASAL counties
HSNP is a flagship project under Vision 2030. It falls under the Ministry of Devolution and Planning. It is implemented by National Drought Management Authority in four arid counties of Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, and Turkana.
3. Inua Jamii
Also known as Inua Jamii Programme, HSNP aims to mitigate extreme hunger caused by severe drought or floods in arid and semi-arid areas. President Uhuru Kenyatta strongly supports it because it also helps to restore dignity among those ravaged by hunger. In his state of the nation address on May 2nd, this is what he said concerning the programme.
“And while we are working to deliver food security, we are taking steps to help Kenyans impacted by the long drought that had hit the country. The Hunger Safety Net Programme is cushioning Kenyans against hunger. Through it, cash was transferred to vulnerable households in arid and semi-arid areas giving them the choice where and how to spend the stipend. This method aids farmers and markets while restoring the dignity of Kenyans who might once have been asked to line up in the hot sun to be given a few “goro goros” of pre-determined food.