A drought status and response report by the National Drought Management Authority indicates that the worst hit regions include the North Eastern counties of Garissa, Marsabit, Wajir and Mandera. According to the drought status report by the NDMA, this year's drought is not as dire as the one experienced last year. The Drought situation in Kenya started in October 2016 following the prolonged drought situation which was characterized by successive poor rainy seasons. The drought situation continued to worsen by February 2017, with over 15 counties hitting the Crisis level. According to the report, drought conditions led to a decline in school attendance and school participation and rising dropout rates.

Source: The Star February 13, 2019 16:07 UTC