Four consecutive seasons of poor rainfall between 2020 and 2022 has led to the most severe drought on record in the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, in the last 40 years. Concurrent shocks, including the socioeconomic impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and pest infestations prevented households from recovering fully from previous droughts, drastically reducing household resilience. Critical water shortages in drought-affected areas have significantly undermined livestock conditions, livelihoods, and food security.

Through ongoing programs, USAID is supporting efforts to strengthen health and nutrition systems in drought-affected areas in coordination with resilience initiatives to mitigate the effects of recurrent natural hazards. In addition, vulnerable populations across Kenya continue to confront several other challenges—including seasonal flooding, localized intercommunal conflict, disease outbreaks, and limited access to health and water, sanitation, and hygiene services—that contribute to sustained humanitarian needs in Kenya.