Kenya among fastest deteriorating food insecurity hotspots as 4.1 million face hunger

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Millions of Kenyans face severe food and water shortages as a nationwide drought worsens. (Photo: Kenya Red Cross)

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Hunger worsens in Kenya as 3.3 million face acute food insecurity

Alfred Onyango

2 months agoRead nextOpens a fresh page.

Among the affected countries, Kenya recorded one of the largest increases in food insecurity during the second quarter of 2026.

At least 4.1 million people in Kenya are facing acute food insecurity, placing the country among Eastern Africa’s fastest deteriorating humanitarian hotspots as climate shocks, rising prices and regional conflicts continue to worsen the crisis.
A new report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) shows that Eastern Africa remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian hotspots, with 48.5 million people expected to require assistance in 2026.
Among the affected countries, Kenya recorded one of the largest increases in food insecurity during the second quarter of 2026.

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The findings show that food emergencies in Eastern Africa are no longer limited to conflict-affected countries, with Kenya becoming part of a wider hunger crisis stretching from northern Tanzania through Kenya and into southern Ethiopia.
Although the number of acutely malnourished children aged between six and 59 months declined from nine million to 8.3 million, OCHA said malnutrition levels remain critically high.
The report shows that Kenya’s food insecurity crisis is being driven by several factors beyond drought, including climate change, rising costs of living, regional conflicts and pressure on food systems.
OCHA also warned that the projected 2026 El Niño cycle could worsen humanitarian conditions across Eastern Africa.
The report said below-average rainfall and extreme heat are expected through September, followed by possible flooding during the October to December rainy season.
“The changing weather patterns are threatening livelihoods, food production, water supplies, infrastructure and essential services,” reads the report.
For pastoralist and farming communities in counties such as Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa and Mandera, repeated climate shocks have created a cycle of losses.
The report highlights that livestock weakened by drought remain vulnerable to disease and water shortages, while crops that survive dry conditions may later be destroyed by floods.
It also emphasised that improved rainfall alone does not guarantee food security, as many low-income households continue to struggle with high prices for food, transport and agricultural inputs.
Disruptions linked to the crisis in the Middle East are also increasing fuel, transport and food costs across the region, putting more pressure on already fragile economies and food systems.
“For households already using a large share of their income to buy food, even small price increases can make it harder to meet daily needs,” OCHA said.
Conflict remains one of the main drivers of humanitarian needs across Eastern Africa.
According to the report, instability in Sudan, South Sudan and other parts of the region continues to affect trade routes, livelihoods and population movements.
OCHA reported that internal displacement reduced slightly from 16.9 million to 16.7 million people, mainly due to returns in Sudan. However, nearly 13,000 people were newly displaced in Burundi, mostly because of climate-related hazards.
The regional refugee population increased from 5.9 million to six million people, mainly due to increases in South Sudan, Uganda and Kenya.
The movement of people continues to put pressure on food systems, local services and humanitarian resources.
Food systems across the East African Community (EAC) are connected through trade, migration and shared climate risks.
Northern Tanzania supplies maize to Kenyan markets during shortages, while livestock trade links pastoralist communities across Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania.
OCHA said investments in climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, water infrastructure, regional food trade and social protection programmes will be important in reducing future food insecurity.

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