Over 2 million Kenyans will need humanitarian food assistance until May 2025, according to a Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) report. Between 2.5 and 2.99 million people are expected to require aid, with food insecurity peaking in February before the onset of the March-May long rains.
Pastoral areas in Turkana, Marsabit, and Garissa are forecasted to face a food crisis due to poor October-December rains, leading to low livestock productivity and reduced milk availability. Households in these regions are adopting coping strategies like skipping meals to survive.
The situation is expected to worsen from February to May, with Tana River, Samburu, Wajir, and Mandera projected to experience severe food crises. Below-average March-May rains could further degrade livestock conditions. Crop-dependent counties like Makueni and Kitui are also at risk due to depleted grain stocks and reduced income from poor harvests.
The Kenya Meteorological Department predicts that January will bring sunny, dry conditions, with occasional rain in some regions. High temperatures may cause heat stress, but dry weather will favor harvesting fast-maturing crops like beans.
Communities in arid areas are urged to conserve water, while those in regions with sporadic rain should harvest rainwater to meet domestic and livestock needs.
