Prolonged drought in Kenya leaves millions vulnerable
The north-eastern region of Kenya, particularly Mandera County, is currently experiencing severe drought conditions. This area, situated along the borders with Ethiopia and Somalia, has not received rainfall since May. The National Drought Management…
The north-eastern region of Kenya, particularly Mandera County, is currently experiencing severe drought conditions. This area, situated along the borders with Ethiopia and Somalia, has not received rainfall since May. The National Drought Management Authority has issued alerts for approximately nine counties, with Mandera being in the "alarm" phase, one level below an official emergency.
Impact on Livestock and Water Resources
Residents, primarily pastoralists, depend on livestock for their livelihoods. Due to the drought, many have been forced to burn dead animals to prevent health hazards and predation by scavengers. In one instance, a bull has been severely dehydrated and unable to stand for nearly a week.
The town of Banissa is also severely affected, with its main watering hole, previously holding 60,000 cubic metres of water, now empty. Livestock must travel up to 30 kilometres to reach Lulis village for water, which is being rationed and expected to be depleted within two weeks.
The north-eastern region of Kenya, particularly Mandera County, is currently experiencing severe drought conditions.
Food Insecurity and Humanitarian Needs
Over two million people across 23 Kenyan counties are facing increasing food insecurity due to the failure of the October–December short rains, which have been two-thirds below average. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network reports that 20 to 25 million people in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia require humanitarian food assistance, largely due to drought conditions.
In Tawakal, children are particularly vulnerable, with a significant number arriving at Banissa's main hospital in a state of severe malnutrition. The hospital, which serves approximately 200,000 people, is facing shortages in therapeutic milk and relies on donations from organizations like the World Food Programme. However, no supplies have been received in the past six months due to reduced aid budgets from Western countries.
The Kenyan government, alongside aid organizations such as the Red Cross, has intensified efforts in water-trucking, food assistance, and cash support. Despite these initiatives, the demand continues to outpace available resources.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
