Gov’t on high alert as 2.1 million Kenyans in 32 counties face severe drought risk

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.