URGENT ALERT: 3.3 MILLION KENYANS IN ASALs FACING ACUTE HUNGER

PACIDA has joined forces with humanitarian organizations under the ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN) to raise the alarm on the escalating drought and food insecurity crisis in Kenya’s northern and Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).

Currently, 3.27 million people in these regions are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity—nearly 18.5% of the affected population, or one in five people, urgently needing assistance. Of these, 2.87 million are classified in Crisis (IPC Phase 3). While no populations are currently in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5), one step below famine conditions, the growing emergency-level food insecurity is an alarming sign that the region is rapidly nearing famine thresholds.

The situation is projected to worsen dramatically in the coming weeks. If the March-May 2026 long rains fail to meet expectations, projections indicate that the number of people facing Crisis or worse could rise to 3.69 million, pushing over 20% of the ASAL population into acute food insecurity.

PACIDA and other humanitarian partners have activated targeted flash appeals, hotspot mapping, and integrated response planning to address the crisis. The call for an urgent, scaled-up humanitarian response is critical to prevent further deterioration.

“After the worst drought in 40 years, communities in the ASAL regions are now grappling with yet another devastating crisis. Coordinated humanitarian interventions are essential to protect the most vulnerable populations,” said Patrick Katelo, CEO of PACIDA.