Drought Crisis in Kenya’s ASAL Regions Pushes Millions Toward Food Insecurity

Severe droughts continue to plague Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), leaving millions at risk of food and water shortages as climate conditions worsen. Spanning large regions such as Turkana, Garissa, and Mandera, these areas are experiencing one of the longest and most intense dry spells on record.

With rainfall levels plummeting, local agriculture and livestock production—the primary sources of food and income for these communities—have been severely disrupted. Families are forced to travel farther to access water, and malnutrition rates have spiked, particularly among children. Government relief initiatives and food aid programs are active, yet the challenges are vast. Local officials and humanitarian organizations are calling for sustained support and the implementation of climate-resilient agricultural practices to reduce vulnerability to drought.

The drought crisis underscores the urgent need for climate adaptation measures in Kenya’s most vulnerable regions. Without systemic changes, the increasing frequency of these extreme weather events will continue to endanger food security, water availability, and livelihoods for millions across the country.