The ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN) has issued a joint statement and urgent appeal following severe flooding across Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties. As of April 25th, 2024, thousands of households have been displaced, with extensive damage to homes, farmlands, bridges, schools, and health facilities. The floods—triggered by heavy rainfall in Mt. Kenya, Aberdares, and Nyambene highlands—have caused the overflow of the Masinga Dam and the flooding of River Tana, submerging entire communities in Garissa, Tana River, Isiolo, and Marsabit counties.

Reports from the Kenya National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) and UN OCHA Flash Updates highlight worsening conditions. Over 1,200 households in Garissa, 104 in Tana River, and hundreds more in Marsabit and Isiolo have been displaced. Infrastructure losses have cut off major roads such as the Garissa–Madogo route, hindering access to food, healthcare, and emergency relief. The destruction of sanitation facilities has raised concerns about water-borne and vector-borne diseases, while the loss of farmlands and livestock has deepened food insecurity in already drought-affected regions.

The Network warns that the floods compound the effects of the prolonged drought and the 2023 El Niño event, leaving communities unable to recover. Vulnerable groups—including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—face increased exposure to gender-based violence, health risks, and displacement-related protection concerns. Markets have been disrupted by impassable roads and destroyed farmlands, worsening food shortages and inflation.

AHN calls on the national and county governments to release disaster management funds and work closely with local civil society organizations to scale up multi-purpose cash and voucher assistance, food aid, and WASH services. The statement urges stronger community-level early warning systems, better communication, and the operationalization of disaster coordination hubs equipped for search and rescue.