NAIROBI, Kenya — Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has revealed that 3.3 million Kenyans are currently affected by drought, with 23 arid and semi-arid counties facing varying levels of risk.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s Tonight show on Thursday, CS Ruku said the number of affected citizens has sharply risen over the past month. According to data from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), 2.1 million Kenyans were impacted in January, a figure that has now jumped to 3.3 million in February.
“The National Drought Management Authority is the government institution that collects data on a day-to-day basis on the drought situation in the country. One month ago, about 2.1 million Kenyans were affected, but as per this week, we are at about 3.3 million,” CS Ruku said.
He highlighted the counties at the most severe risk, listing Mandera, Wajir, Kwale, and Kilifi as being in the “very severe phase.” Counties under the “alarm phase,” described as very critical, include Baringo, Tana River, Kajiado, Kitui, Lamu, Samburu, Laikipia, Narok, Turkana, Isiolo, and Marsabit. The government is tailoring interventions to the specific needs of each county.
CS Ruku emphasised the centrality of livestock to affected communities, noting that many families depend on camels, goats, cows, and sheep for their livelihoods. Immediate needs, he said, include water, food, and nutrition support for both people and animals.
“Water is one of the most immediate needs. Food, both for human beings and also food for livestock, as well as nutrition support. These are three key things which are required,” he said.
The government has committed significant resources to mitigation efforts since July 2025, with Sh.6 billion spent in December and January alone. These funds are used to procure food for distribution and feed for livestock.
CS Ruku noted that water-trucking operations will be intensified, leveraging resources from the National Youth Service (NYS), Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and regional water bodies to reach the affected counties.
Analysts say the escalating drought highlights the urgency of sustainable water and food security strategies in Kenya’s arid regions, stressing that continued government intervention is critical to preventing famine and protecting livelihoods.
