The two programmes affected are the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) and the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).
These projects were originally designed to support long-term agricultural growth, improve food systems, and strengthen value chains for farmers.
However, the government says the current drought situation has forced a shift in priorities.
Speaking during a meeting with governors on Wednesday, December 17, the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary said the ministry has already paused some activities that were initially planned under the two programmes.
This decision, he explained, was made to allow resources to be redirected to urgent drought response efforts.
Under the new approach, the ministry plans to use the two programmes to support emergency interventions aimed at saving livelihoods in the hardest-hit regions.
These include transporting fodder to drought-affected areas, supplying water to pastoral communities, and rolling out measures to protect and save livestock.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that many pastoralists are struggling as water sources dry up and pasture becomes scarce.
Without urgent action, he warned, communities risk losing large numbers of animals, which are their main source of food and income.
He added that while long-term agricultural development remains important, the current crisis demands immediate solutions.
“We must first help our people survive this drought before returning to longer-term plans,” he said.
Governors from ASAL counties welcomed the move, saying it would provide much-needed relief to communities facing severe hardship.
They called for close coordination between national and county governments to ensure support reaches those most in need.