The alert, released on Thursday, January 22, 2026, highlights nine counties facing critical water scarcity, raising concerns over cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoeal disease outbreaks.
WHO Kenya’s Head of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Livinus Martins, emphasized that drought-induced water shortages are forcing communities to rely on unsafe water sources, increasing exposure to pathogens that can trigger disease outbreaks.
WHO Kenya’s Head of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Livinus Martins, emphasized that drought-induced water shortages are forcing communities to rely on unsafe water sources, increasing exposure to pathogens that can trigger disease outbreaks.
The counties most at risk include Wajir, Garissa, Kilifi, Marsabit, Kitui, Kwale, Kajiado, Isiolo, and Tana River.
“The lack of safe water and sanitation in these areas, combined with prolonged heat and limited vegetation, has concentrated disease vectors near the few remaining water points,” Martins said.
“The lack of safe water and sanitation in these areas, combined with prolonged heat and limited vegetation, has concentrated disease vectors near the few remaining water points,” Martins said.
“Communities are highly vulnerable, particularly children, pregnant women, and the elderly.”
Drought’s Ripple Effects on Health and Livelihoods
The ongoing dry conditions have not only jeopardized human health but also decimated livestock populations, a primary source of food and income in arid and semi-arid regions.
Drought’s Ripple Effects on Health and Livelihoods
The ongoing dry conditions have not only jeopardized human health but also decimated livestock populations, a primary source of food and income in arid and semi-arid regions.
Emaciated cattle, goats, and camels are becoming common sights, compounding malnutrition risks for local populations.
“While the country desperately needs rain, dry soils could trigger flash floods when rains finally arrive, exacerbating the risk of waterborne illnesses and injuries among populations already weakened by food insecurity,” Martins warned.
The Kenyan government has previously estimated that around 2.5 million people could face acute hunger and water shortages if the drought persists.
“While the country desperately needs rain, dry soils could trigger flash floods when rains finally arrive, exacerbating the risk of waterborne illnesses and injuries among populations already weakened by food insecurity,” Martins warned.
The Kenyan government has previously estimated that around 2.5 million people could face acute hunger and water shortages if the drought persists.
With limited access to potable water, families in these regions are compelled to collect water from ponds, rivers, or other unsafe sources, further raising the likelihood of disease transmission.
Coordinated Response Urged
WHO has called on national and county governments, humanitarian agencies, and local communities to act immediately to prevent an escalation of health emergencies.
Coordinated Response Urged
WHO has called on national and county governments, humanitarian agencies, and local communities to act immediately to prevent an escalation of health emergencies.
The agency promised to collaborate with government institutions to ensure affected populations have access to safe water, food aid, and essential healthcare services.
“Urgent, coordinated efforts are necessary to protect the most vulnerable and reduce the risk of widespread outbreaks,” the WHO statement read.
Public Health Advisories
The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted that hot and drier-than-average conditions will persist across the country until February 2026, intensifying heat stress and placing further pressure on water resources.
“Urgent, coordinated efforts are necessary to protect the most vulnerable and reduce the risk of widespread outbreaks,” the WHO statement read.
Public Health Advisories
The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted that hot and drier-than-average conditions will persist across the country until February 2026, intensifying heat stress and placing further pressure on water resources.
Residents of arid and semi-arid regions are advised to implement water-saving measures, prioritize domestic water usage, and ensure water storage facilities remain adequate.
Farmers and pastoralists are encouraged to adopt water conservation techniques, such as mulching, storing feed, and maintaining water points for livestock, to mitigate the drought’s impact on agriculture and food security.
Farmers and pastoralists are encouraged to adopt water conservation techniques, such as mulching, storing feed, and maintaining water points for livestock, to mitigate the drought’s impact on agriculture and food security.
Preparing for Compounding Risks
Experts note that prolonged dry spells not only increase the risk of disease outbreaks but also heighten vulnerability to future natural disasters.
Dry soils may fail to absorb sudden rains, resulting in flash floods that could injure people, damage property, and disrupt livelihoods in drought-affected areas.
WHO’s alert serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for preventive health interventions, community awareness, and infrastructure improvements to safeguard populations from both immediate and secondary health risks.
WHO’s alert serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for preventive health interventions, community awareness, and infrastructure improvements to safeguard populations from both immediate and secondary health risks.