More than two million people across Kenya are at risk of worsening hunger, disease, and malnutrition after one of the driest October–December rainy seasons in decades, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned. The 2025 short rains brought only 30 to 60 percent of normal rainfall in most areas, marking the driest season since 1981 in parts of eastern Kenya. The drought has strained health services, dried up water sources, and devastated crops and livestock—leaving the country with an unfolding humanitarian emergency.
According to the National Drought Management Authority, ten counties are now facing drought conditions. Mandera has entered the “alarm” phase, while nine others—including Wajir, Garissa, Kilifi, and Marsabit—are in the “alert” phase. Thirteen more arid and semi-arid counties are showing early signs of stress, particularly in livestock health and water availability. The government has warned that 2.5 million people could soon face severe hunger and water shortages if the drought continues.
“We are seeing multiple health threats converging,” said Dr. Martins, Head of Emergency Preparedness and Response at WHO Kenya. “Water scarcity is forcing families to rely on unsafe sources, increasing the risk of cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoeal diseases. Tens of thousands of children and pregnant women are now at high risk of acute malnutrition as livestock losses deepen food insecurity.”
In response, WHO has worked with Kenya’s Ministry of Health to pre-position emergency supplies in high-risk counties, including cholera and pneumonia kits and other essential medical equipment capable of serving more than 5,000 people. But more funding and resources are urgently needed to meet the scale of need. Dr. Martins warned that when rains eventually come, hardened soils could trigger flash floods, spreading disease in communities already weakened by months of drought.
“Climate change is intensifying extreme weather in Kenya—making both droughts and floods more severe and unpredictable,” he added.
WHO Acting Representative Dr. Neema called for immediate support to strengthen access to food, safe water, and healthcare, particularly in drought-hit pastoral regions. “We need coordinated action now to save lives and protect vulnerable families as we face prolonged dry conditions,” she said. Kenya’s next rainy season is expected in March–May, but until then, millions remain on the edge of a worsening health and nutrition crisis.
