Kenya — humanitarian situation

Kenya faces a deteriorating climate crisis marked by persistent rainfall deficits and an impending intensification of El Niño conditions. Rainfall deficits have affected western Kenya from May through July, extending from broader dry conditions across northern Eastern Africa, with environmental monitoring showing widespread soil moisture deficits and vegetation stress IGAD. A very strong El Niño event is forecast for the October–December rainy season, potentially amplified by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, creating dual risks of continued drought in some areas and severe flooding in others OCHA. Across the broader Eastern Africa region, 48.5 million people require humanitarian assistance, with more than 40 million facing acute food insecurity and 8.3 million children acutely malnourished OCHA. Pastoral areas in northern Kenya are experiencing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) conditions through September, driven by seasonal dryness and above-average temperatures that are reducing pasture, browse, and water availability FEWS NET. Increasing trekking distances and livestock migration are expected beginning in August. While conditions are projected to improve to Stressed (IPC Phase 2) between October and January following anticipated strong short rains, Mandera will likely remain in Crisis due to slow recovery from failed 2025 short rains FEWS NET. The Kenya Red Cross Society activated an Early Action Protocol in July 2026 with CHF 365,775 from the IFRC DREF to implement pre-agreed early actions aimed at mitigating drought impacts, responding to a severe and evolving drought crisis driven by consecutive rainfall season failures IFRC. Kenya continues to host significant refugee populations, with more than 55,000 individuals receiving multi-purpose cash assistance through the Kenya Cash Consortium at Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps ACTED. The two-year consortium project, led by ACTED with Oxfam Kenya, Concern Worldwide, IMPACT Initiatives, and the ASAL Humanitarian Network, provides four cycles of cash assistance to support livelihood stability for refugees from Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Somalia ACTED. Healthcare access in underserved counties like Wajir is being expanded through new infrastructure, with construction beginning on a 36-bed hospital expected to serve an estimated 35,000 patients annually (Baitulmaal).