Food security in Kenya had deteriorated significantly by the end of 2025, leaving an estimated 3.3 million people (18 per cent of the population) facing acute food insecurity – an increase from 2.1 million in February 2025. More than 810,000 children under 5 and nearly 117,000 pregnant and lactating women required urgent treatment for acute malnutrition.

The ‘short rains’ rainy season from October-December was among the driest on record in parts of eastern Kenya, compounding consecutive poor rainfall seasons and reversing drought-recovery gains. Livestock deaths increased, milk production halved, and prices more than doubled in some northern counties. Funding shortfalls limited operational reach, leaving many severe acute malnutrition cases untreated.

In 2025, Action Against Hunger operated in five counties, delivering lifesaving, recovery, resilience and system strengthening interventions. Over 75,000 children were screened for acute malnutrition, with over 13,000 admitted for treatment and over 70,000 receiving vitamin A supplements.

Integrated outreach expanded access to essential services in hard-to-reach areas.

With support from the United States Government – Office of Foreign Assistance, our work strengthened county and community systems in nutrition, water, and agriculture by building the capacity of frontline workers and supporting data-driven decision-making through IPC analysis and SMART surveys. It also supported policy development and review at both county and national levels, contributing to Kenya’s National Nutrition Action Plan and its Food and Nutrition Security Policy.

Our UBS-supported rehabilitation of climate-resilient water infrastructure improved access to safe water for over 114,500 people.

Shelter initiatives supported by Sisters of Charity provided dignified emergency shelter to flood-affected communities, alongside MHPSS. Additionally, the programme enhanced livelihoods, promoted climate-smart agriculture and financial inclusion, and integrated gender, sexual and reproductive health, and gender-based violence interventions. Overall, the project reached 415,000 people across the five counties.