By Urban Shihemi, November 12, 2025

Kenya has been named among the global hotspots facing acute food insecurity, according to a new joint report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP).

The report paints a grim picture, warning that hunger is deepening across 16 countries identified as “hunger hotspots,” where millions of people are at risk of famine or severe food shortages. 

The report highlights that time is running out to avert widespread starvation as conflict, economic shocks, extreme weather, and critical funding gaps continue to worsen conditions.

Among the countries of highest concern are Mali, Sudan, and South Sudan, where famine risks are most immediate. 

Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Nigeria are listed as very high concern nations. 

Kenya, along with Burkina Faso and Chad, has been categorized as a hotspot, signaling growing levels of food insecurity and the potential for further deterioration if urgent action is not taken.

FAO and WFP warn that despite the escalating humanitarian needs, lifesaving interventions remain severely underfunded. “The lack of adequate resources means millions could be left without critical food and nutrition support,” the report cautions.

Kenya’s inclusion in the list reflects the lingering impacts of prolonged drought, erratic rainfall patterns, and high food prices that have strained household incomes. 

Northern and eastern regions of the country remain the most affected, with pastoral communities still recovering from the loss of livestock and livelihoods during recent drought cycles.

The agencies are calling for swift and coordinated global action to scale up humanitarian aid, strengthen resilience, and address the root causes of hunger before conditions worsen further.

“Without immediate and large-scale support, millions could face catastrophic hunger and loss of life,” the report concludes.