While heavy seasonal rains have caused flooding in several parts of Kenya, northern and eastern regions continue to struggle with severe drought, worsening food insecurity, and growing humanitarian needs.
According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the March-April-May rainy season brought uneven weather patterns across the country. Areas such as Nairobi and western Kenya experienced flooding that damaged homes and infrastructure, while arid regions like Turkana County received little to no rainfall.
The lack of adequate rain has left communities facing deteriorating conditions after years of recurring drought. Vegetation has declined significantly, pasturelands have failed to recover, and many rivers and shallow wells have dried up, reducing access to water for both people and livestock.
In agro-pastoral communities, previous crop failures have already depleted household food reserves. Limited rainfall this season has done little to reverse the long-term effects of drought, including reduced agricultural productivity and livestock losses.
Turkana County remains one of the hardest-hit areas. Grazing lands have become increasingly barren, forcing herders to travel longer distances in search of water and pasture. Livestock health has deteriorated, and milk production has fallen sharply, affecting the nutrition of children and vulnerable families.
The IFRC and the Kenya Red Cross continue to provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities, but they warn that additional support is urgently needed. Humanitarian organizations are calling for increased investment in drought response, food security, and climate resilience measures to help communities cope with the growing impact of extreme weather conditions.
The crisis highlights the challenges posed by climate change, where different regions of the same country can experience devastating floods and severe drought at the same time, placing millions at risk and increasing pressure on humanitarian response efforts.
