Malnutrition in Kenya’s arid regions remains alarmingly high due to multiple interlinked factors.
Food insecurity is the leading cause, worsened by poor childcare practices and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation (WASH).
A high disease burden further weakens children’s health.
In areas like Turkana, Mandera, and Wajir—where malnutrition rates are highest—mothers bear heavy workloads, leaving little time for proper child care.
Health services remain underfunded and limited in reach, with frequent stock-outs of essential nutrition commodities.
Recurrent climate shocks, such as floods and the cumulative effects of failed rain seasons, deepen the crisis.
