Since the third week of October, the rainy season in Kenya has caused heavy storms and flooding, significantly impacting Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, and Wajir counties. As at 8 November, the storms and flooding had affected nearly 61,400 people across the country. 

Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia are currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in 60 years. The current drought is driving significant levels not only of food insecurity but also of WASH, health, and nutrition needs for the affected population.

In September 2021, the Kenyan President declared drought as a national disaster. As at July, the drought had affected 23 arid and semi-arid land counties out of the total 47 counties in the country. 4.4 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity at Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse food insecurity levels in these 23 counties between October–December 2022.

This report highlights the impact of the current drought on marginalised communities in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands. It examines their pre-existing socioeconomic vulnerabilities and humanitarian needs. It also analyses the possible progression of drought based on climate outlooks.

The Horn of Africa (including northeast Uganda) is currently experiencing a prolonged drought, largely as a result of below average precipitation from the seasonal short rains (April-July) and long rains (October-December). Prevailing dry conditions across the region have led to the deterioration of farmland and pastures, loss of livestock, sharply increased food prices, and reduction of the availability of water in these areas. 

Kenya is currently experiencing a prolonged drought largely as a result of below average precipitation from the seasonal short rains (October-December) and long rains (April-June). 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.

Significantly above-average rainfall since the beginning of the Long Rains rainy season in March have led to flooding across the country. Between 244,000 and 260,000 people are estimated to have been displaced. Rains are expected to continue in the following weeks, meaning further flooding is likely and recovery will take time. 

Following security operations in Moyale, Ethiopia, some 10,000 people have been displaced to Moyale in Marsabit county, Kenya, since 10 March. The displaced population is currently staying in makeshift camps around Moyale. 80% of the displaced people are women and children, including 600 pregnant women and 1,500 children under five. Multisectoral assistance is urgently needed.

As of July, 1.2 million people in Kenya acutely need food assistance, an increase of 500,000 from February. Most food insecure people are in Garissa, Tana River, and Isiolo counties, in the centre-east. Such levels of food insecurity are typical for Kenya and do not represent any major deterioration.