The European Union has offered Ksh37 million (€250,000) in aid to support families in Kenya affected by climate and health emergencies.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 9, the union announced that the funds will support the over 150,000 people enduring drought, severe flooding, and disease outbreaks across the country over the next six months.
The union specifically noted that the contribution will enable the Kenya Red Cross Society to provide essential food assistance, clean water, cash support, healthcare and protection services to the most affected communities.
"The six-month project, running until the end of May 2026, is expected to support more than 150,000 vulnerable people affected by the converging crises," the EU stated.
"This funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)," it added.
Over 1.8 million people are currently facing acute food insecurity, with projections rising to 2.1 million by January 2026, a situation that is being catalysed by depleting water resources, malnutrition, and waning funding.
"Consecutive failed rains have left 179,000 people in emergency conditions and placed 741,000 children and 109,000 pregnant or lactating women at risk of acute malnutrition, while recent heavy rains triggered flooding and landslides, destroying homes and livelihoods," the union stated.
This comes two months after a report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which warned that Kenyans living in several parts of the country will experience a dire food shortage until December this year.
According to the report, the hardest hit counties are those located in the northeastern region, including Mandera, Isiolo, Garissa, and Baringo, with children and women bearing the brunt.
Last week, the Kenya Meteorological Department noted that the country will receive little to no rain in December, with hot and dry conditions expected to intensify until February 2026.
According to the weatherman, the October–November–December (Short Rains) season is expected to end between the first and fourth weeks of December, with occasional rain expected in some parts of the country.
"Temperatures are expected to be warmer than average over the whole country, with prolonged periods of heat likely to intensify daytime temperatures, elevate nighttime minimums, and contribute to generally hotter-than-usual conditions throughout the month," Acting Director of Meteorological Services Edward Muriuki said.
For the next three months, farmers have been advised to implement water conservation practices such as mulching and ensure they store enough feed and maintain water points.
Residents, especially those living in Arid and semi-arid regions, have been urged to implement water-saving measures, prioritize domestic water supply, and monitor water storage facilities to ensure that they are well prepared for a water shortage that may hit during this period.
