Drought in Kenya leaves more than 2 million facing hunger

Drought has left more than 2 million people in parts of Kenya facing hunger and has led to widespread livestock losses, with northeastern counties such as Mandera hardest hit.

Drought conditions have left large parts of Kenya facing food shortages, the United Nations and other agencies report. More than 2 million people are affected in some areas, and livestock deaths have been widespread. Cattle-keeping communities in the northeast near the Somali border have been especially hard hit. Aid groups and health agencies link the pattern to failed rainy seasons and broader climate changes. Key facts: - The United Nations and other organizations report over 2 million people in parts of Kenya are facing hunger. - Livestock losses are widespread; Mandera county on the Somali border has been classified at "alarm" for critical water shortages, and authorities say livestock deaths and wasting among children have followed. - Four consecutive wet seasons have failed in parts of the Horn of Africa, and the October–December rains were among the driest recorded since 1981, according to U.N. health reporting. - Neighbouring countries are also affected: Somalia has seen over 3 million people displaced and reports of severe food shortages in camps, and similar weather threats are reported in Tanzania and Uganda. Summary: The drought is causing food shortages and major livestock losses that are straining communities and humanitarian response across the region. Neighbouring countries are experiencing related pressures. Undetermined at this time.