In the current period (February to March 2024), about 1.9 million people (12 percent of the population analysed) are classified in IPC Phase 3 or above in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL), including about 300,000 people (2 percent of the population analysed) in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and 1.6 million people (10 percent of the population analysed) in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis).

This marks an improvement of 15 percent of the population that has moved to less severe classifications, mainly because of the seasonal performance of the 2023 MAM (March, April and May) rains followed by OND (October, November and December) rains, a positive harvest and improved livestock production and productivity across the ASALs. 

The key drivers of food insecurity are high prices of staple foods, the impacts of El Niño and floods – resulting in the loss of livestock, damage to infrastructure, property, and farmland, - as well as localized resource-based and human-wildlife conflicts. 

During the projection period (April to June 2024), the forecasted MAM rains are expected to further improve the seasonal performance and thus improve the food security situation. Approximately, 1.2 million people (7 percent of the population analysed) are classified in IPC Phase 3 or above, including about 26,000 people classified in Phase 4 and 1.2 million in Phase 3. 

• Enhance sustained agricultural productivity by providing essential farm inputs, extending support services, managing post-harvest losses effectively, incorporating crop dryers and implementing food quality control measures, as well as controlling crop pests and diseases. 
• Improve livestock productivity and health by implementing livestock extension services, strategic deworming, effective parasite control, and robust disease surveillance. Focus on rangeland rehabilitation, conservation of standing hay, restocking, breed improvement, and value addition.
• Develop water infrastructure and access by repairing and rehabilitating existing structures like boreholes and water pans for increased availability and utilization. Protect existing water infrastructures, solarization of boreholes, promotion of water harvesting infrastructures and extension and upgrade of water supply pipelines.
• Improve social welfare to sustain and expand safety net initiatives, encompassing various forms of support such as food, non-food essentials, and monetary transfers. Offer comprehensive case management services especially for vulnerable children.