Kenya is facing a deepening food crisis, with 2.8 million people projected to experience acute food insecurity between April and June 2026, according to a report by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The alarming forecast is linked to below-normal March-May rainfall, worsening conditions in 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties.

This marks a sharp increase of 650,000 people from the current 2.15 million in February, signaling an urgent need for humanitarian aid.

The hardest-hit regions include:
• Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties – Turkana, Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, and Marsabit
• Marginal agricultural zones – Kilifi, Kwale, Meru North, and Makueni

According to NDMA, children between six months and six years and breastfeeding women are at the highest risk of acute malnutrition.

Key statistics:
• 800,202 children (6-59 months) need urgent treatment for malnutrition, up from 760,488.
• 120,732 pregnant and breastfeeding women require nutrition support, an increase from 112,401.

Factors driving food crisis

NDMA attributes the rising food insecurity to several factors, including:
• Erratic weather conditions – Below-average crop production due to poor rains
• Flash floods and displacement – Worsening food shortages
• Soaring food prices – Reduced affordability for struggling families
• Human and livestock diseases – Weakening food supply chains
• Pest infestations and conflicts – Disrupting agricultural productivity

The warning comes just a week after the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) raised concerns about extreme heatwaves expected to hit parts of Eastern Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Somalia.

The harsh conditions could significantly impact both human health and agriculture, further worsening the crisis.

As Kenya braces for tough months ahead, humanitarian efforts and urgent interventions will be critical to preventing a full-scale hunger catastrophe.