Kenya is experiencing one of the most complicated emergencies in humanitarian history in the recent years with various overlapping shocks transforming vulnerability in the country. We believe in sound, evidence-based insights to inform preparedness, response, and long-term resilience planning at Kichata Research Ltd.
The recent analysis of its emergency issued under the IFRC DREF Operation MDRKE068 states that the crisis is being generated by the two phenomena: a severe drought and devastating floods, the rebirth of cholera pandemics, and a drastic drop in humanitarian financing. Due to below-average rainfall and two subsequent failed seasons, people are in IPC Phase 3 or above in the arid and semi-arid lands, and it is estimated that 2.1 million people will be in acute food insecurity by the beginning of 2026. Thresholds of acute malnutrition continue to be critical in a number of counties, indicating the further strain on strained health systems.
At the same time, western Kenya is also dealing with massive flooding and landslides that have not only left households displaced but also farmlands and access to basic services disrupted. Landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet and extensive flooding in Trans Nzoia and Tana River counties identify the increasing uncertainty of climate hazards.
The situation is aggravated by disease epidemics. Decreasing access to WASH and overwhelmed health facilities have been identified to be the cause of a new wave of cholera transmission, which spread throughout Narok, Nairobi, Migori, and various ASAL counties. The low financial expenditure by the global community has further stretched the outreach services, which has restricted access to treatment and prevention.
This complicated emergency highlights an important fact high-quality research and real-time analytics should lead the decision-making. To the responders and policymakers, changing risks, unmet needs, and mapping service gaps are the keys to saving lives and preventing livelihoods.
At Kichata Research Ltd we are still dedicated to assisting the governments, humanitarian organizations and development partners with evidence based evaluations, socio-economic analysis and monitoring structures that enhance resilience amid the changing crises in Kenya.