Kenya Grapples With Worsening Drought as Food-Producing Regions Record Heavy Losses
Farmers who planted after forecasts of enhanced short rains have suffered widespread losses after the rains arrived late, ended early or failed altogether
By : Mweru Mbugua
Kenya is facing a deepening agricultural crisis as a prolonged drought affects 22 counties, including traditionally high-producing regions such as Meru, Embu, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma and Nakuru
Farmers who planted after forecasts of enhanced short rains have suffered widespread losses after the rains arrived late, ended early or failed altogether
Crops have withered, livestock deaths have increased and tea yields one of Kenya’s key export earners have declined, threatening farmer incomes and national earnings
The impact is rippling across the economy, with agro-dealers, transporters, processors and retailers reporting losses, while consumers brace for rising food prices due to shortages
Experts say technology offers a path to resilience, pointing to irrigation, climate-smart farming, drone monitoring and improved storage as critical tools
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Calls have also intensified for more accurate, localised weather forecasting, stronger post-harvest management and expanded strategic food reserves
Environmental restoration, including rainwater harvesting, forest rehabilitation and wetland protection, has been identified as essential as climate variability becomes the norm
Analysts warn that without urgent policy action and investment in resilient systems, Kenya risks recurring hunger, higher food costs and widespread loss of livelihoods
