On 10 November 2021, the ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN) issued a joint press statement and launched the #DroughtKE21 online campaign to raise awareness and demand government accountability on Kenya’s worsening drought. At the time, 2.5 million people in 23 ASAL counties were affected, with conditions expected to deteriorate due to consecutive failed rains.

The statement condemned the slow and inadequate response from national and county authorities despite visible suffering across Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, Isiolo, Turkana, and Tana River. Through social media mobilization, AHN and Kenyan digital activists reached over 650,000 users, amplifying community voices and documenting drought impacts including livestock deaths, pasture depletion, water scarcity, and rising local conflicts.

The Network called for:

• Immediate funding releases by government to expand cash assistance and safety nets.

• Prioritization of women and girls, who face increased risk of gender-based violence and early marriage.

• Locally led drought responses integrated into national climate action frameworks.

• Forecast-based disaster management policies using water and food security indicators.

• Stronger climate justice commitments aligned with COP26 pledges.

The statement emphasized that Kenya’s drought was a climate-induced humanitarian crisis, demanding not only relief but long-term governance, equity, and adaptation measures grounded in community leadership.