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Women trek miles for single jerrycan of water as drought bites
07th February, 2026 07:23 AM
As drought grips several parts of the country, women are walking long distances just to get a single jerrycan of water. In some of the worst-affected counties, they trek more than 15 kilometres daily, often pushing or rolling the heavy containers back home.
In a statement shared by the Kenya Red Cross on Friday, February 6, 2026, water scarcity has become a daily struggle for many families.
“In severely drought-affected counties, women are trekking over 15 km in search of water, often pushing or rolling a jerrycan back home. Water scarcity is their daily reality,” the statement read in part.
The humanitarian organisation said the drought is also affecting children. With parents spending long hours searching for food and water, children are having to bring younger siblings to medical outreach sites. Families are being forced into tough choices just to survive.
“As parents search for food, children are bringing other children to medical outreach sites. The drought is forcing families into impossible choices.”
The Kenya Red Cross says the drought situation in the country is worsening, with over two million people urgently needing support. While the organisation is on the ground providing lifesaving assistance, the scale of the crisis is growing, and many communities remain in urgent need.
23 counties affected
Kenya is facing a worsening drought, with over 23 counties affected.
Speaking on January 28, 2026, Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Ahmed Idris said the situation is worsening due to a failed rainy season. He highlighted 11 counties of greatest concern, including Marsabit, Mandera, Turkana, and Wajir.
Idris noted that this drought is unusual, with some areas within a county hit harder than others. He pointed to Baringo County, where most areas are dry but not critical, while Tiaty Sub-County is experiencing severe conditions.
He warned that the next two months will likely remain dry, and even when rains arrive, they may not be enough to ease the crisis.
