The government has established a multi-agency committee to carry out urgent ecological assessments and identify critical hotspots requiring immediate action to cushion Kenya’s wildlife from the escalating drought.
The operation seeks to decrease wildlife fatalities while protecting animal populations in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) where water shortages and pasture deficits are becoming more severe.
Ecological Studies to Guide Emergency Response
The Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) have already launched field operations to ensure timely and targeted allocation of resources, with special focus on the most vulnerable species.
A Cabinet dispatch issued on Tuesday warned of worsening drought conditions in Wajir, Mandera, Kwale and Kilifi counties, with fears that the crisis could extend to 13 more counties. The statement also cited growing pressure on livestock and an increased risk of human-wildlife conflict, particularly in areas bordering national parks and wildlife reserves.
The government has allocated Sh4.1 billion to support 3.3 million Kenyans experiencing extreme food shortages because the short rains from October to December 2025 did not occur, demonstrating the grave drought condition in the country.
WRTI Director Dr. Patrick Omondi said the ecological studies will inform urgent short-term interventions, including provision of water and nutritional supplements to wildlife to avert deaths as conditions deteriorate.
Dr. Omondi explained that the ecological studies conducted in wildlife parks and sanctuaries will identify urgent actions required to stop animal deaths which occurred during the 2022 drought.
Focus on Endangered Species
The rapid response is considered critical for endangered species such as Grevy’s zebras in Samburu, which suffered significant losses during the 2022 drought.
The ongoing studies will produce results which scientists will use to create permanent solutions for drought and flood control based on data gathered during the 2024–2025 National Wildlife Census which showed increases in vital animal populations.
Dr. Omondi spoke during the inauguration of the Alternative Wetland and Inland Water Research Facility in Naivasha. The new centre replaces the previous facility that was shut down due to rising water levels in Lake Naivasha.
Research on Rising Water Levels Underway
WRTI has begun studies on rising water levels in the Great Rift Valley while it continues its drought management operations together with other groups. The rising waters have displaced communities and wildlife while disrupting livelihoods.
Dr. Omondi stated that the research on rising water levels is currently active and will finish within the next year, after which a scientific advisory will guide future planning.
The new research facility, which receives support from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), will enable WRTI Board Chairman Dr. David Nkedianye to maintain research operations at the facility.
Dr. Nkedianye stated we will work to find a permanent solution to move the research centre because lake water levels have caused extensive damage to the research site.
WRTI is collaborating with government agencies to handle the drought situation and will present its findings to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) to determine subsequent action steps.
The drought has significantly affected wildlife. We are mapping out the hardest-hit areas and species to determine appropriate responses, he said.
