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Country analysis

Kenya


Kenya is facing floods, the impact of a longstanding drought, and a refugee crisis. Arid and semi-arid counties, comprising nearly 80% of Kenya’s landmass, often experience drought conditions.

Kenya hosts refugees from neighbouring countries, with around 796,100 registered refugees and asylum seekers present in the country by the end of August 2024. 79% of these refugees were from Somalia or South Sudan. Most have taken refuge in Dadaab and Kakuma camps, respectively located in Garissa and Turkana counties, both arid areas vulnerable to drought impacts.

Communities living in arid and semi-arid regions (36% of Kenya's population) face inadequate social services, poor physical infrastructure, and highly dispersed human settlements. They also experience higher poverty levels compared to the rest of the country.

The March–May 2024 floods displaced more than 400,000 people, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region just as it was recovering from the most severe drought in four decades. Approximately 1.7 million people in arid and semi-arid land areas are projected to experience Crisis (IPC Phase3) or worse food insecurity levels between October 2024 and January 2025.

(UNHCR accessed 08/02/2024, OCHA 17/05/2024, GOK accessed 10/04/2024, IPC/Govt. Kenya 05/09/2024)

Kenya is facing floods, the impact of a longstanding drought, and a refugee crisis. Arid and semi-arid counties, comprising nearly 80% of Kenya’s landmass, often experience drought conditions.

Kenya hosts refugees from neighbouring countries, with around 796,100 registered refugees and asylum seekers present in the country by the end of August 2024. 79% of these refugees were from Somalia or South Sudan. Most have taken refuge in Dadaab and Kakuma camps, respectively located in Garissa and Turkana counties, both arid areas vulnerable to drought impacts.

Communities living in arid and semi-arid regions (36% of Kenya's population) face inadequate social services, poor physical infrastructure, and highly dispersed human settlements. They also experience higher poverty levels compared to the rest of the country.

The March–May 2024 floods displaced more than 400,000 people, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region just as it was recovering from the most severe drought in four decades. Approximately 1.7 million people in arid and semi-arid land areas are projected to experience Crisis (IPC Phase3) or worse food insecurity levels between October 2024 and January 2025.

(UNHCR accessed 08/02/2024, OCHA 17/05/2024, GOK accessed 10/04/2024, IPC/Govt. Kenya 05/09/2024)

Latest updates on country situation

02 July 2024

Since 25 June 2024, Kenya has witnessed a growing youth-led movement protesting against tax increases and the Finance Bill 2024. Although the President withdrew the bill on 26 June, anti-government protests have persisted. While largely peaceful, the protests have faced police use of live ammunition, killing at least 39 by 1 July according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. More than 30 cases of involuntary disappearances and nearly 600 arrests of protesters, with approximately 360 injured, have been reported. Although some detained protesters have since been released, these incidents of violence heighten protection risks for those at the forefront of the protests. Physical access constraints during the protests hinder the access of aid organisations and ambulances to those in need. Red Cross staff and volunteers have also received injuries and experienced attacks on their vehicles. There are also reports of internet disruptions during the protests. (AJ 01/07/2024, Reuters 25/06/2024, The Guardian 25/06/2024, HRW 28/06/2024) [please keep three sources only]

04 June 2024

In June 2024, Kenya is grappling with a vaccine shortage amid a measles outbreak. The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), measles, polio, rotavirus, tetanus, and other essential vaccines are unavailable in various facilities. Kakuma camp has exhausted its buffer stocks of the BCG vaccine, oral polio vaccine (OPV), and rotavirus vaccine, with current supplies projected to last one month. A similar crisis is emerging in Hagadera and Dadaab camps, where only 60 OPV doses remain. This heightens the risk of preventable outbreaks with severe consequences, including lifelong disabilities and fatalities among children. Frequent cross-border movement and nomadic lifestyles put communities along Kenya's borders, particularly in Turkana and Garissa counties, at heightened susceptibility. Refugees are at particular risk given the continuous influx of new refugees and asylum seekers from neighbouring regions. The porous borders aggravate the situation, with inadequate disease surveillance systems, particularly at the numerous informal entry points along the Somali border (IRC 04/06/2024, The Standard 02/06/2024, Nation 19/05/2024)

07 May 2024

In May 2024, tensions and unrest are escalating in Kakuma refugee camp and the neighbouring Kalobeyei integrated settlement in Turkana West following a reduction in food rations in April. The 60% reduction in food aid has triggered protests in both areas. Media reports have highlighted instances of violence, including a child being shot in Kakuma and another left injured during the unrest. Cash assistance has replaced food distributions, but many refugees express concerns about its adequacy in meeting their basic needs. Without adequate assistance, more than 270,000 refugees are at risk of malnutrition and may resort to coping mechanisms with harmful outcomes, including transactional sex and theft. (USCRI 06/05/2024, The Standard accessed 18/04/2024, The Standard 01/04/2024)

30 April 2024

As at 28 April 2024, heavy rains and flash floods had caused significant devastation across Kenya, resulting in over 100 fatalities, 29 injuries, and 21 individuals reported missing. The disaster has displaced approximately 150,300 people and affected nearly 191,000 individuals. It has also led to the loss of over 4,800 livestock, damaged 27,700 acres of croplands, and disrupted 260 businesses and 24 schools. As a result, the reopening of schools, initially scheduled for 29 April, has been postponed to 6 May. The damage has rendered impassable some essential roads, such as the Garissa-Nairobi and Dadaab-Garissa roads, aggravating the situation. The displaced population is in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including food, water, sanitation, shelter, medical services, and NFIs. (OCHA 29/04/2024, The Guardian 29/04/2024, ECHO 30/04/2024)

15 April 2024

Since 9 April 2024, heavy rains and flash floods in Kenya have led to the death of more than 13 people, with an estimated 15,000 people displaced. The March–May rainy season has brought about intense storms, rising river levels, infrastructure damage, and livestock and property losses. Impeded road access across various regions is disrupting access to essential services, including markets and healthcare facilities. Particularly affected counties include Garissa, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Kisumu, Kitui, Marsabit, Meru, Murang’a, Nairobi, Tana River, and Turkana, where several roads are inundated. Affected populations require shelter and increased healthcare access. Despite efforts to address immediate needs such as food, water, sanitation, shelter, medical aid, and evacuation support, persistent challenges remain. The Kenya Meteorological Department warns of continued heavy rainfall with the likelihood of flash floods in several parts of the country, including the Highlands, Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Southeastern lowlands, Coastal, Northwestern, and Northeastern regions. (OCHA 11/04/2024, VOA 12/04/2024, ECHO 12/04/2024)

07 December 2023

As at 6 November 2023, heavy rains in different parts of Kenya had displaced over 529,000 people, with over 160 fatalities reported. Health authorities have confirmed 105 cholera cases and three related deaths in Lamu county. Access constraints are limiting the response, with damaged roads and bridges cutting off some areas. (Capital News 06/12/2023, Citizen 05/12/2023)

21 November 2023

Flooding from the heavy rains that began on 8 November 2023 has affected nearly 25,000 people in refugee camps in Dadaab (Garissa). Bridges and roads have been damaged or destroyed, preventing humanitarian organisations from accessing affected areas. These include the Dadaab refugee complex, home to 300,000 refugees, most of whom are from Somalia. Some of the affected people are sheltering in schools or with other refugee families, leading to overcrowding in many households. The most urgent needs include shelter, clean drinking water, and food supplies. Poor WASH conditions are likely to worsen the humanitarian condition of affected people. Prior to the floods, half of Dadaab's residents did not have access to functional latrines. Flooding can increase the risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases, such as cholera. The Deyr rainy season lasts from early October to December. (UNHCR 17/11/2023, MSF 21/11/2023)

current crises
in Kenya


These crises have been identified through the INFORM Severity Index, a tool for measuring and comparing the severity of humanitarian crises globally.

Read more about the Index

REG014 - Eastern Africa Regional Drought Crisis

Last updated 28/10/2024


Drivers

Drought

Crisis level

Regional

Severity level

4.4 Very High

Access constraints

5.0

KEN001 - Country level

Last updated 28/10/2024


Drivers

Drought
Displacement

Crisis level

Country

Severity level

3.6 High

Access constraints

3.0

KEN002 - Refugee situation

Last updated 28/10/2024


Drivers

Displacement

Crisis level

Country

Severity level

2.9 Medium

Access constraints

3.0

KEN003 - Drought

Last updated 28/10/2024


Drivers

Drought

Crisis level

Country

Severity level

3.4 High

Access constraints

2.0

Analysis products
on Kenya

Kenya: heavy rainfall and floods

14 May 2024

Kenya: heavy rainfall and floods

DOCUMENT / PDF / 2 MB

Since the start of the March-April-May (MAM) rainy season, Kenya has experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread floods and landslides in various regions. 42 of the country’s 47 counties have been affected by the floods, with Homa Bay, Kajiado, Mandera, Nairobi, and Nakuru being the most severely affected as of 6 May. 

Natural hazards
Kenya: flooding in eastern and northern counties

16 November 2023

Kenya: flooding in eastern and northern counties

DOCUMENT / PDF / 867 KB

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. 

Food security & livelihoodsNatural hazards
Horn of Africa: Impact of drought on children

24 April 2023

Horn of Africa: Impact of drought on children

DOCUMENT / PDF / 5 MB

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.

Natural hazards
Kenya: impact of drought in Turkana and Marsabit counties

07 December 2022

Kenya: impact of drought in Turkana and Marsabit counties

DOCUMENT / PDF / 2 MB

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.

Food security & livelihoodsNatural hazards
Kenya: Impact of drought

31 March 2022

Kenya: Impact of drought

DOCUMENT / PDF / 726 KB

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.

Natural hazards
View more