Kenya is grappling with an escalating food insecurity crisis after the near-total failure of the October–December 2025 short rains, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has warned. Rainfall across much of the country reached only 30 to 60 percent of normal levels, marking the driest short-rains season since 1981 in eastern regions.
The dry spell has compounded previous poor seasons, straining crops, water sources, and rangelands while temperatures 1–2°C above average have worsened conditions. According to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), 23 counties are now experiencing drought stress. Nine counties, including Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, and Kitui, are on “Alert,” with Mandera in critical “Alarm” status. Even traditionally stable counties like Samburu, Turkana, Nyeri, Laikipia, and Meru show worsening conditions.
Currently, 2.1 to 2.5 million Kenyans face hunger, with pastoral households particularly affected due to poor pasture regeneration, dwindling water supplies, and declining livestock productivity. Water scarcity has intensified, forcing families to travel longer distances, while livestock migrations raise conflict risks in areas such as Turkana, Marsabit, and Tana River.
The government and humanitarian agencies are responding with emergency interventions including food distribution, water trucking, nutrition screenings, and livestock support. Legislators have urged the drought to be declared a national disaster to unlock additional resources. Climate forecasts indicate below-average rains may persist into early 2026, meaning food assistance may be required for up to 3.5 million people by May. Children under five and pregnant or lactating women remain most vulnerable to malnutrition, while displaced populations from Somalia and Ethiopia further strain resources.
Sustained humanitarian support and longer-term resilience measures, such as irrigation expansion, are critical to mitigate the effects of this worsening crisis.
 has warned. Rainfall across much of the country reached only 30 to 60 percent of normal levels, marking the driest short-rains season since 1981 in eastern regions.){kind=link}