[Published: Sunday January 25 2026]
 Kenya drought impacts over two million people
NAIROBI, 25 Jan. - (ANA) - More than two million people in Kenya are facing worsening food insecurity in the wake of the October to December 2025 rainy season – among the driest on record, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
The prolonged drought has led to rising malnutrition rates, increased risk of disease outbreaks and disrupted access to essential health services.
Regional drought
The impacts are also being felt in neighbouring Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda, where millions more people are at risk due to similar weather patterns and water shortages.
In Kenya, 10 counties are currently experiencing drought conditions, one of which is in the “alarm” phase. Furthermore, another 13 counties in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions are showing signs of drought stress.
While severe, the emergency was part of a known seasonal risk, WHO said. The UN agency has supported the Kenyan authorities including by providing cholera kits, pneumonia kits and essential supplies, as well as pre-positioning equipment in high-risk counties before the drought intensified.
WHO stressed the need to mobilize urgently to ensure both people and livestock have access to adequate food supply and safe water, and to prevent the situation from worsening. - (ANA) -
AB/ANA/25 January 2026 - - -
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