Kenya is facing a growing food security crisis. More than six million Kenyans can barely afford food and are forced to adopt stressful survival strategies, while over 2.5 million others are already in crisis.
The latest report from the Food Security and Nutrition Working Group paints a grim picture. Food and nutrition insecurity is not just a threat, it is already here, and worsening by the day.
The government must act now with both short- and long-term strategies. Emergency support must reach the most vulnerable without delay. At the same time, we must invest in building resilience in our food systems, water resources, and rural livelihoods. Otherwise, this cycle of hunger will only get worse.
The upcoming harvest may offer some hope for recovery, but without proper planning, the impact will be short-lived.
Kenya needs a clear, well-funded food security strategy that integrates emergency relief with long-term development. That includes support for farmers, better storage systems, market access and climate-smart agriculture.
The government needs to work closely with county administrations, development partners, and humanitarian agencies to improve coordination and response.
Timely data collection and early warning systems must guide decisions. Investing in school feeding programmes and nutrition-sensitive safety nets can cushion the most affected families and keep children in school.
Quote of the day: “Man tends to increase at a greater rate than his means of subsistence.”
Naturalist Charles Darwin reached Saint Helena in HMS Beagle on July 8, 1836
