This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
Published on August 29, 2019, a mid-season assessment revealed that 1.6 million Kenyans were facing starvation. However, the situation has since deteriorated, with over 2.6 million people now struggling to access food.
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that the number could rise to above 3 million by October if the current situation does not improve.
The drought has been caused by a below-average and poor performance of long rains between March and May, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.
Residents in Wajir and other affected areas are forced to walk long distances in search of water and pasture, with some even crossing into neighboring Somalia in desperation.
Heat waves have destroyed what little vegetation remains, and most water sources have dried up, exacerbating the crisis.
The most affected counties include Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Baringo, Samburu, Isiolo, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, and Tana River, where inhabitants rely heavily on livestock.
Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa flagged off 30,000 bags of food on Wednesday, but the situation remains dire.
