6 February 2026 – The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has launched a multi-day peace caravan along the borders of Garissa, Isiolo and Meru counties in an effort to reduce community tensions heightened by the ongoing drought.
The ravaging drought has forced pastoralist families to move far flunk areas in search of water and pasture invading the neighbpouring counties that ofte results clashes over limited resources.
As herds converge on the few remaining water points and grazing fields, competition intensifies. Communities that once coexisted peacefully begin to view one another with suspicion.
The Garissa–Isiolo border has in recent years experienced recurrent violent clashes, largely driven by competition over water and pasture, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property.
Access paths are blocked, wells are guarded, and grazing lands are claimed as exclusive territory. In many instances, these tensions have erupted into violent confrontations, especially where pastoralists cross into neighboring counties in search of pasture and water.
Such clashes, especially between the Somalis and Boranas from Garissa and Isiolo have often been deadly.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Modogashe town, NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hared Adan said the initiative seeks to foster peaceful coexistence among pastoral communities by encouraging negotiated grazing arrangements and the responsible use of scarce water and pasture resources as drought conditions continue to worsen in the region.
The caravan brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including community elders, youth and women leaders, peace and grazing committees, representatives from county and national governments, as well as civil society organizations and development partners.
“This peace caravan is designed to reinforce community-based conflict prevention mechanisms and help build resilience during periods of environmental stress,” Hared said.
Activities planned during the four-day exercise include peace walks, community dialogue forums on drought and resource sharing, and sports events aimed at strengthening unity.
Hared encouraged residents to make use of existing community-led dispute resolution structures to address emerging challenges before they escalate into violence.