KENYA

THE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN KENYA

The prolonged drought between 2020 and 2023 has had serious effects on Kenya, with a severe health and food crisis and population displacements. In addition, major flooding linked to La Niña hit Kenya in 2023 and 2024. The increasing frequency and intensity of high-impact climate events poses significant risks for the health system in the arid regions of northern Kenya.

This area is also affected by epidemics such as cholera and measles, one of the consequences of the drought and flooding which exacerbates the vulnerability of the affected communities. A lack of dedicated resources means the health authorities are able to undertake little or no emergency preparedness planning and depend on external partners to respond to crises when they happen.

At the same time, the region has poor health indicators, especially in sexual and reproductive health.

OUR HUMANITARIAN WORK IN KENYA

In 2024, Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands experienced the worst drought for 40 years. Médecins du Monde helped to monitor the food situation and carry out a needs analysis. In September we started to work with the Department of Health in Marsabit County in the north of the country. We provided support with improving the referral system, strengthening supervision of health centres and developing knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights among community health workers.

During 2024, Médecins du Monde repaired four ambulances, one for each sub-county in the region. We also trained 12 drivers and 134 community health workers.