Eastern Africa drought deepens leaders urge aid

The Anglican diocese of Marsabit is reporting a severe drought impacting communities in northern Kenya, exacerbated by failed rains and climate factors. Bishop Daniel Qampicha Wario has called for urgent humanitarian support to address widespread water and food shortages, as well as the impact on livestock.

Drought Conditions and Impact

The region has experienced minimal rainfall, insufficient to replenish water sources or support vegetation growth. Bishop Wario stated that communities are facing serious water shortages and borehole breakdowns, with crops failing due to the prolonged dry spell. The earliest anticipated rainfall is in April, leaving a three-month period of continued drought. The drought primarily affects pastoralist communities, whose livelihoods depend on livestock, and the lack of pasture poses a significant threat. The situation is described as dire and widespread, extending to southern Ethiopia, northern Kenya, and the Lake Turkana region.

Climate Factors

The drought is attributed to a combination of climate phenomena, including La Nina, the Indian Ocean Dipole, and broader climate change impacts. Four consecutive seasons of failed rains since 2024 have overwhelmed existing coping mechanisms. In 2024, a single day in November saw the entirety of the region’s seasonal rainfall, followed by a prolonged dry period until April 2025, according to Catholic Bishop Peter Kihara Kariuki of Marsabit.

Humanitarian Response

ACT Alliance has launched an appeal for drought relief in Kenya and Somalia, aiming to provide food assistance, essential services, and address health concerns. The Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church, a member of ACT Alliance, is preparing to respond after assessing the extent of the need. The church plans to support displaced populations, provide food for vulnerable children and women, address gender-based violence in camps, and tackle water scarcity, particularly access to safe drinking water.

Government and Regional Actions

In December, the Kenya government issued an alert indicating that 2.1 million people in 32 counties were facing heightened food and nutritional insecurity. The Somali government declared a national emergency on November 10, 2025, urging stakeholders to increase support. This drought is part of a recurring pattern in the Horn of Africa, following a severe drought from 2021-2023, which was described as the worst in 40 years.

Resources

WCC member churches in Kenya
ACT Alliance appeals