The government has placed the country on high alert after assessments revealed that about 2.1 million people across 32 counties are facing heightened food and nutritional insecurity due to the failure of the October–December short rains.
Officials say the underperformance of the rains has disrupted livelihoods, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands, while the drought situation is now spreading into areas previously considered food secure.
Counties most affected include Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo and Baringo, with sub-counties such as Mandera North and South, Wajir East and West, North Horr, Dadaab, Turkana East and South, and Samburu North recording severe conditions.
The drought has also extended to parts of Eastern, Central, Rift Valley, Coast and Western Kenya. Counties including Kitui, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, Kajiado, Kilifi, Kwale, Laikipia, Meru, Embu (Mbeere), Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya have been listed as emerging hotspots.
Sub-counties such as Thika and Ruiru in Kiambu, alongside Mwingi, Kibwezi, Kieni, Masinga, Rongai and Narok South, have been flagged for closer monitoring.
The Kenya Meteorological Department warns that affected areas will require sustained food assistance for both humans and livestock, nutritional support and health interventions for at least the next six months, until harvests from the March–May long rains.
In response, the government convened a high-level consultative meeting bringing together Cabinet and Principal Secretaries, chief executives of key agencies and the Council of Governors to assess the scale of the crisis and required interventions.
Another meeting involving development partners, humanitarian agencies and private sector players is scheduled, with the government expected to unveil a comprehensive drought mitigation roadmap outlining immediate and medium-term responses.
