More than three million Kenyans are struggling to get enough food, a new report by the Food Security and Nutrition Working Group for the East and Central Africa region shows. The Star reported the findings on Tuesday.
The report puts 3,086,659 Kenyans in crisis or worse. Of these, 2,660,922 are in crisis and 425,737 are in emergency. Another 6,988,778 people are classified as stressed. The report warns that acute food insecurity will remain very high and could worsen in several parts of East and Central Africa.
Kenya's figures form part of a wider regional crisis. As of September 2026, about 25 million people in IGAD countries were in crisis or worse, the report says. About 170,000 of them were in IPC Phase 5, classified as famine or catastrophe. Six million were in emergency and 19 million in crisis. Across all countries that report under the IPC system, the figure was 55 million.
The report blames climate shocks, conflict, displacement and economic pressure. Rainfall between June and September 2026 was below average. Long dry spells struck Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya and parts of Ethiopia. The dry weather deepened the strain on communities that depend on farming and livestock.
Too much rain now poses a threat as well. The report warns that persistent or heavy rain between October and December 2026 could trigger flash floods, landslides and infrastructure damage. Flood-prone areas of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia face the greatest risk. Floods could displace families, disrupt markets and block aid deliveries. El Niño conditions could also persist into early 2027. That could bring above-average rain to parts of the eastern Horn of Africa in the March-May season.
Prices are adding to the pain. The report says disruption linked to the Middle East conflict is raising energy, fertiliser and transport costs. Inflation, weaker currencies and foreign exchange shortages are keeping staple food prices high in several East African markets.
Funding is also failing to keep pace with needs. The report says shifting global priorities, donor focus on domestic problems and rising military spending are reshaping aid budgets. It calls for better coordination, targeted help and stronger data systems. It also urges a focus on the most vulnerable people.