In January 2025, the Kenya Cash Consortium conducted a baseline assessment to inform the design of the Alert-Based Cash Assistance to Disaster-Affected Communities in Garissa and Turkana Counties project. Implemented by IMPACT Initiatives, the survey aimed to understand household income, expenditure, food security, coping mechanisms, and accountability preferences ahead of the multi-purpose cash transfer (MPCT) rollout. Data was collected from 658 households across the two counties using a simple random sampling approach with 95% confidence and a 5% margin of error.

At the time of assessment, households were found to be in a state of economic strain, with average monthly income (KES 5,169) falling below average monthly expenditure (KES 6,177). Only 7% of households in Garissa and 3% in Turkana were able to meet all their basic needs, while 81% reported active debt averaging KES 5,549. Most households were likely to resort to borrowing or asset depletion to access food and essential services.

Food security indicators were also low. Only 45% of households in Garissa and 16% in Turkana had acceptable Food Consumption Scores, while over 70% of total household expenditure was directed toward food. Turkana households showed higher hunger levels and greater reliance on negative coping mechanisms compared to those in Garissa, reflecting the harsher drought impacts.

The findings underscore the need for urgent, adaptive cash assistance to stabilize household economies and strengthen resilience. The majority of respondents (93% in Garissa and 100% in Turkana) preferred to receive aid through mobile money transfers, citing flexibility, accessibility, and autonomy in meeting household needs.
📄 Click the image below to download the full Baseline Factsheet (PDF) and explore detailed data tables, indicators, and coverage maps.