Kenya is one of 22 countries facing increased levels of acute food insecurity in the coming months, this is according to the latest report from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP), The “Hunger Hotspots” report, issued this week, warns that conflict, climate change, and economic instability are combining to create catastrophic hunger crises worldwide – and Kenya is no exception…
The report anticipates worsening food insecurity across the country, fueled by unpredictable weather patterns and ongoing global economic pressures, The La Niña phenomenon, expected to impact global climates through March 2025, could further disrupt Kenya’s fragile food systems, leading to drier-than-normal conditions in certain regions, This is likely to harm crop yields and reduce food availability for vulnerable communities, especially those already experiencing critical levels of food insecurity.
The situation is further complicated by the ripple effects of conflicts worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized that without urgent humanitarian support, countries like Kenya face significant challenges in sustaining their agricultural output, “Access to nutritious food is not just a basic need – it is a fundamental human right,” Dongyu stated, “Peace is a pre-requisite for food security. Without peace and stability, farmers cannot grow food, harvest, or sustain their livelihoods.”
According to the hunger hot spots, nearly 4 million people are already facing food insecurity, humanitarian organizations are sounding the alarm, Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director, highlighted the urgency of the global hunger crisis, “It’s time for world leaders to step up and work with us to reach the millions of people at risk of starvation – delivering diplomatic solutions to conflicts, using their influence to enable humanitarians to work safely, and mobilizing the resources and partnerships needed to halt global hunger in its tracks,” he said.
Kenya joins countries such as Niger, Chad, and Lebanon on the updated list of hunger hotspots, a designation that signals an immediate need for international attention and resources, According to the WFP and FAO conflict, climate shocks, and economic pressures are expected to continue driving food insecurity throughout the outlook period from November 2024 to May 2025, Local communities in arid and semi-arid regions, such as Turkana and Marsabit, according to the report remain highly vulnerable.
