Kenya

Kenya is currently experiencing a prolonged drought largely as a result of a below average precipitation from the seasonal short rains (October-December 2018) and long rains (April-June 2019). Prevailing dry conditions across the Horn of Africa have led to the deterioration of farmland and pastures, loss of livestock, sharply increased food prices, and reduction of the availability of water in Kenya. Additionally, an outbreak of Fall Armyworm across western Kenya has affected maize and sorghum crops in early development stages, likely worsening the food insecurity situation. Overall, an estimated 1.1 million people are severely food insecure, as of April 2019. The Kenyan government has identified 10 counties, mostly in northern and northeastern Kenya, particularly affected by the drought: Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Marsabit, Turkana, Baringo, Kilifi, Samburu, Tana River and West Pokot. Many affected areas have a high level of underlying vulnerability linked to recurrent exposure to droughts in recent years. People have food, livelihood, WASH, health, and protection needs; these are expected to increase in the coming months with the continuation of the 2019 lean season through September. ?