Red Cross volunteers prepare to distribute food stuff to more than 200 families Karimani at village in Bamba ward, Ganze Sub County in Kilifi County on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The area has started experiencing drought with more than 46 water pans drying up leaving residents with no hope but to depend aid from the government and other stakeholders. Photo by Ben Okweingoti 
By Ben Okweingoti
Thousands of families in several parts of Kilifi County are facing acute food and water shortages following a prolonged drought that has devastated the region.
Areas most affected include Ganze, Magarini and Kaloleni sub-counties, where the failure of seasonal rains has left water pans completely dry, forcing residents to trek long distances in search of water for domestic use and livestock.
A spot check by this reporter at Karimani Village painted a grim picture of the unfolding humanitarian crisis. More than 600 households in the area have been severely affected, with residents grappling with hunger, water scarcity and the looming threat of livestock deaths if the situation persists.
The once-reliable water pans in Karimani have dried up entirely, leaving the area parched. Residents say the lack of water has already disrupted daily life and agricultural activities, while livestock—an important source of livelihood—are increasingly at risk.
In response to the crisis, the Kenya Red Cross Society distributed relief food to 187 families in the village. However, local leaders say the assistance, though welcome, falls far short of meeting the needs of the affected population.
Karimani Sub-Location Assistant Chief Margaret Kalama described the situation as dire and deteriorating by the day. She expressed gratitude to the Kenya Red Cross for its timely intervention but urged the national and county governments, as well as other well-wishers, to step in urgently.
“We have about 600 households in this area, but today only 187 families received food aid. There is still a huge gap,” Kalama said. “We urgently need more support, especially to ensure that our livestock survive this harsh period.”
Residents interviewed echoed her concerns, noting that the drought has been worsened by human-wildlife conflict, particularly frequent incursions by elephants in search of water and food. They said the animals have destroyed what little crops remained, compounding their suffering.
With no immediate signs of rain, local leaders warn that the situation could escalate into a full-blown humanitarian disaster unless swift and coordinated intervention is undertaken to provide food, water and livestock support to the affected communities.
