Severe drought in Kenya

Minister Matiang’i said about 2.8 million people living in 23 arid regions in Kenya are in need of food and water assistance. The current drought situation in Kenya is caused by below-normal rainfall, which started last year and continues into this year. According to Matiang’i, it is climate change that has made droughts more severe, increasing the number and frequency of extreme weather events.

Currently, the Kenyan government has launched a program to combine cash transfers and food distribution, with the participation of mobile network operators, to speed up access and support people. Eligible households will receive a monthly installment payment that allows them to buy food and other necessities.