A new report warns that food insecurity in Kenya will likely escalate in the coming months.
The Food Security and Nutrition Working Group for East and Central Africa reveals that 6.39 million Kenyans are under stress, with an additional 3.12 million facing a crisis and 586,306 in emergency conditions. Overall, 3.7 million Kenyans are experiencing crisis or worse, according to the February 26 findings.
Refugee communities, particularly in Dadaab, Kakuma, and Kalobeyei camps, face severe challenges, with 429,500 individuals classified in IPC Phase 3 or higher, including 186,500 in emergency situations.
The report attributes the worsening conditions to below-average and erratic rainfall during the October–December 2025 season. Drought, intense storms, pest infestations, and livestock diseases have further exacerbated agricultural and pastoral losses.
Consequently, poor harvests, soaring food prices, and dwindling purchasing power have compelled households to resort to negative coping strategies, such as skipping meals, borrowing, and selling assets.
Malnutrition is on the rise, affecting 810,871 children with acute malnutrition and 202,230 suffering from severe acute malnutrition, including 44,907 children in refugee camps.
Regions like Mandera, Turkana South, and North Horr face critical conditions, while Laisamis is expected to deteriorate further.
The report emphasizes a widening gap in response capacity due to diminishing funding, shifting donor priorities, and increasing needs. “Urgent needs increasingly exceed available support, necessitating stronger coordination, targeted interventions, and improved data collection for evidence-based resource allocation,” it states.
Key risk factors to monitor include the March–May rainfall, crop pests, livestock diseases, household food stocks, staple food prices, market functionality, and humanitarian assistance for refugees.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has allocated Sh900 million for drought response in seven priority counties: Turkana, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Samburu, and Marsabit.
Human-wildlife conflicts pose additional threats, damaging crops, preying on livestock, and disrupting essential services.
The report warns that without timely intervention, the food insecurity and malnutrition crisis will deepen, putting millions at risk of hunger and famine.
