Kenya

In Kenya, 23 arid and semiarid counties are experiencing drought conditions after three consecutive below-average rainy seasons (October–December 2020, March–May 2021 and October-December 2021). The drought has affected crop and livestock production and caused a rise in staple food prices.?

At least 2.9 million people need humanitarian assistance due to drought. 2.4 million people in the affected areas are facing high levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) in November 2021–January 2022. The most affected counties are Baringo, Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, Tana River, Turkana, and Wajir.?

Pastoralism, agropastoralism and farming, the main livelihood activities in the affected areas, have also been disrupted, as poor rainfall performance resulted in below-average pasture and browse conditions that are unfavourable for livestock. Resource-based conflicts over access to limited pasture and water resources have increased, leading to loss of lives, displacement, disruption of food supply to markets, and closure of schools. These resource-related conflicts are a constraint to humanitarian access in some areas, such as Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, and Wajir counties.?

The affected population has experienced a series of shocks in recent years, including a desert locust invasion and the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the threat of locust invasions has receded, the impact of COVID-19 on Kenyan households continues.?