The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has launched a Sh130.8 million fundraising campaign to finance community-led drought resilience projects across Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia, and Meru counties.
The initiative is spearheaded by elite long-distance runner Daniel Ebenyo, who has been appointed goodwill ambassador for the NDMA Road Race for Peace and Resilience 2026, scheduled for August 8 in Archers Post, Samburu County.
The inaugural race aims to unite government agencies, development partners, the private sector, and athletes to fund four critical grassroots projects. These interventions—focusing on water access, ecosystem restoration, climate-resilient livelihoods, and peacebuilding—are expected to benefit over 30,000 people and 50,000 livestock.
For Ebenyo, who was raised in Baragoi, Samburu County, the campaign is deeply personal. He recalled walking 24 kilometers daily to school while navigating drought and insecurity before athletics paved his path forward.
“This road race is about much more than running. It is about ensuring that future generations spend their time learning rather than walking long distances for water,” Ebenyo said. “Together, we can help communities access water… and ensure the next generation grows up with more opportunities than we had.”
To formalize his role, Ebenyo signed the Road Race Ambassador Commitment Charter, pledging to champion drought resilience and peace.
NDMA Chief Executive Officer Lt Col (Rtd) Hared Adan emphasized that the campaign represents a strategic shift from reactive disaster response to proactive, long-term resilience.
“We are trying to bring together communities in the four counties,” Adan noted. “This region has experienced insecurity for many years but, once they come together for sports, it will promote peace.”
He added: “Building resilience is a shared responsibility that demands leadership from government, investment from the private sector, support from development partners and active participation by communities and every Kenyan.”
NDMA Board Chairman Shallow Yahya added that Ebenyo’s journey perfectly embodies the spirit of the initiative:
“Daniel Ebenyo’s life story mirrors the resilience we seek to build. His journey reminds us that resilience can transform lives when opportunity meets determination.”
