NAIROBI, Kenya — Drought conditions across Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) have eased following the March rains, with several counties recording improved status, according to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).
In its latest update, the authority said the rains have driven positive shifts in drought phase classifications across the 23 ASAL counties, signalling gradual recovery after prolonged dry conditions.
Coastal counties of Kilifi and Kwale have moved from the “Alarm” phase — the most severe classification — to the “Recovery” phase, marking a significant turnaround. The two counties had previously been grouped with Mandera and Wajir, which remain the only regions still in the alarm category.
“The current drought phase status is as follows: Alarm Phase: Two counties, Mandera and Wajir, remain in the ‘Alarm’ drought phase. However, both counties are showing an improving trend following the rainfall received during the month,” NDMA said.
The number of counties in the “Alert” phase has also dropped sharply from 13 to seven, now comprising Garissa, Isiolo, Kitui, Lamu, Marsabit, Turkana, and West Pokot. NDMA attributed the improvement to enhanced rainfall, which has boosted water availability and pasture conditions.
Counties including Samburu, Baringo, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, and Tana River have exited the alert category, reflecting broader recovery trends.
A further 12 counties — among them Samburu, Kajiado, Baringo, Embu, Meru, Laikipia, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Nyeri, and Narok — are now classified under the “Normal” drought phase, indicating relatively stable conditions.
Despite the gains, NDMA cautioned that it continues to closely monitor the situation, particularly in areas still facing residual impacts of drought. The authority said it is coordinating response efforts through a multi-agency framework involving national and county governments, as well as development partners.
Current interventions remain focused on critical sectors such as food assistance, water supply, health and nutrition services, and livestock support — key lifelines for communities in drought-prone regions.
“The Government… continues to closely track and address the residual and emerging impacts of drought across ASAL counties,” the agency noted.
The update comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rainfall over the coming days in several regions, including the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, southeastern lowlands, and parts of northeastern Kenya.
As Kenya transitions from drought response to recovery in several regions, authorities face the challenge of consolidating gains while preparing for future climate shocks in an increasingly unpredictable weather cycle.
