2.1 million Kenyans in 32 counties face severe drought risk, govt says

At least 2.1 million people across 32 counties are facing heightened food and nutritional insecurity following the failure of the October–December short rains, deepening concerns over the country’s worsening drought situation.

According to government assessments, the underperformance of the short rains has significantly disrupted livelihoods, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), while also spilling into traditionally food-secure regions.

Counties most affected include Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo and Baringo, with hotspot 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 spread to parts of Eastern, Coast, Rift Valley, Central and Western Kenya, affecting counties such as Kitui, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, Kajiado, Kilifi, Kwale, Laikipia, Meru, Embu (Mbeere), Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya. Sub-counties including Mwingi, Kibwezi, Kieni, Thika, Ruiru, Masinga, Voi, Rongai, Narok South and Pokot North have been flagged as emerging drought hotspots.

The Kenya Meteorological Department warns that the affected counties will require sustained human and livestock food assistance, nutritional support and health interventions for at least the next six months, until harvests from the March–May long rains become available.

In response, a high-level consultative meeting bringing together Cabinet and Principal Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers, heads of key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and the Council of Governors was convened to assess the scale of the crisis and the cost of the required interventions.
Government officials say discussions focused on emergency food and non-food assistance, livestock support, and measures to cushion vulnerable households from further shocks as water sources dry up and pasture diminishes.

A follow-up meeting scheduled for Tuesday will include development partners, humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organisations and private sector players. The government is expected to unveil a comprehensive drought mitigation roadmap after the meeting, outlining coordinated short- and medium-term responses.