Children starving in Kenya due to food shortage. Photo/Courtesy
By Daisy Okiring
Kenyans have been urged to brace for worsening food shortages over the next three months, with experts warning that the situation will be dire in semi-arid regions.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), more than two million Kenyans will be affected between October and December. The latest report indicates that 1.8 million people are already grappling with food insecurity, with about 179,000 facing extreme hunger.
The most affected counties include Mandera, Isiolo, Garissa, and Baringo. IPC highlighted that children remain the most vulnerable, with acute malnutrition threatening to push communities further into crisis.
Children and pregnant women among the most vulnerable
The report revealed that 741,000 children under the age of five are suffering from acute malnutrition, while another 178,938 face extreme cases. In addition, more than 109,000 pregnant women nationwide are experiencing food deficiencies.
The crisis has been compounded by the United States government’s decision to cut food aid, leaving thousands of vulnerable families without critical support. IPC noted that reduced humanitarian assistance could worsen survival rates, particularly in the northeastern and arid counties.
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Food donations by local groups have provided some relief, but aid agencies warn that these efforts cannot sustain the growing demand. The report emphasised that the impact on children and expectant mothers could have long-term consequences on Kenya’s public health.
Weather forecast raises fears of prolonged scarcity
The Kenya Meteorological Department has projected depressed and uneven rainfall from October to December, raising fears of reduced crop yields and higher food prices.
In its latest advisory, the department said September and early October will remain largely dry, with the short rains only expected from mid-October through November. While rainfall is forecast to improve slightly in December, it will likely remain below average.
Analysts warn that this trend could worsen the cost of living as subsistence farmers, who make up the majority of rural households, struggle with declining harvests. Scarcity in local markets is expected to drive up food prices, further straining households already struggling with high inflation.
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Experts caution that unless urgent measures are taken, Kenya could face a deeper humanitarian crisis in the coming months. Humanitarian agencies are calling on the government and international partners to scale up interventions to mitigate the impact of the looming food shortages.
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