Kenya is currently grappling with its worst drought since 1981, which has seen 3.3 million people threatened by hunger due to a series of failed rainy seasons. Authorities report that nearly half of the country, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of the north and east, is severely affected.

In the Mandera County, the situation is particularly dire, with local farmers selling livestock at drastically reduced prices as they attempt to avoid total loss from the ongoing drought. For instance, a cow that used to be worth between 60,000 to 70,000 shillings is now sold for just 5,000 shillings, reflecting the desperation of the farmers facing the risks of starvation not just for their animals, but for their families as well.

Mandera has been declared under a state of critical alarm by authorities, alongside ten other counties that are now in a state of alert. The United Nations has highlighted this drought as the driest season recorded in Kenya, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and long-term solutions to address the recurring climate challenges affecting the region.