Severe Drought Intensifies Food Insecurity and Malnutrition in Kenya's ASAL Counties

Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) are facing a worsening crisis as consecutive below-average rainy seasons have intensified drought conditions, leading to widespread food insecurity and a sharp rise in acute malnutrition.

The October–December 2025 short rains delivered only 30–60% of the long-term average, marking one of the driest seasons since 1981. This has resulted in over 2 million people across 32 counties experiencing heightened food and nutritional insecurity.

Mandera County is currently classified in the critical "alarm" phase, while nine other counties—including Wajir, Garissa, Kilifi, Marsabit, Kitui, Kwale, Kajiado, Isiolo, and Tana River—are in the "alert" phase.

The drought has severely impacted livestock-dependent communities, with widespread animal deaths exacerbating food insecurity. Malnutrition rates are rising, particularly among children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Immediate multisectoral action is required to prevent further deterioration. Priority interventions include scaling up malnutrition screening and treatment, restoring integrated outreach services, expanding emergency and sustainable water solutions, protecting livelihoods through livestock and agricultural support, and strengthening cash-based social protection to stabilize household food access and safeguard vulnerable women and children.