Urban Shihemi,February 5, 2026
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has appealed to the national government to formally declare the ongoing drought in Kenya a national emergency, warning of worsening food and water insecurity across the country and calling for urgent mobilization of all available resources to support affected communities. SUPKEM’s call comes amid one of the driest rainy seasons recorded in decades, which has led to severe water shortages, failed crops, livestock losses, and a deepening humanitarian crisis across multiple regions. According to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), counties such as Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kilifi, Marsabit, Kitui, Kwale, Kajiado, Isiolo, and Tana River are already classified in drought alert stages, with Mandera in the critical “Alarm” phase. Across Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL), more than 2 million people are facing crisis-level food insecurity following consecutive failed rainy seasons. In a press briefing, SUPKEM national chairman Hassan Ole Naado underscored the urgency of the situation and the need for unified national action:
“In light of these alarming developments, it is abundantly clear that we are facing a crisis that demands immediate and concerted action. Supkem calls upon the government of Kenya , county governments in all affected counties ,Muslim well wishers and institutions and all partners to mobilize emergency resources to address this multifaceted crisis in the most affected counties.”
SUPKEM has urged authorities to mobilize all water resources, including deploying water tankers from the NYS and military to hard-hit areas where boreholes, rivers, and water pans have dried up, leaving families and livestock struggling to survive.
“This is not just a drought — it is a humanitarian emergency that requires all of us, from government leaders to community actors, to act now.”Naado said.
SUPKEM’s appeal also highlighted the root causes of the drought, attributing the crisis to poor and erratic rainfall patterns linked to broader climatic changes. Kenya’s short rains between October and December 2025 delivered just 30 – 60 % of the long-term average rainfall in many regions, leading to widespread water depletion and crop failure.
SUPKEM also expressed deep concern about the growing food insecurity affecting millions of Kenyans, with rising malnutrition rates and soaring food prices adding to the burden faced by vulnerable households across arid and semi-arid lands.
In making its plea, the religious body stressed that collective responsibility is essential — from government agencies and faith groups to civil society and private partners — to save lives and build resilience in drought-affected areas. Coordinate with community organizations and humanitarian partners to deliver food, water and healthcare aid.
