The Kenya Red Cross has raised concerns about the worsening drought in parts of Turkana County, saying families are now surviving on wild beans to keep hunger at bay.
In a statement shared on Thursday, February 19, 2026, the humanitarian agency said the situation in Nakaruon village in Turkana East is dire, with mothers trekking long distances to gather wild beans, locally known as endungee. The beans, which are not part of the normal diet, must be boiled for more than eight hours before they are considered safe for consumption.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the prolonged drought has left many households without food. Crops have failed, livestock have died, and families have been pushed to extreme measures just to survive. For many, the wild beans are the only available option despite the long hours required to prepare them and the limited nutritional value they provide.
“In Nakaruon village, Turkana East, mothers are searching for wild beans, locally known as endungee, to feed their children. The beans must be boiled for more than 8 hours before they are safe to eat. This is what drought has reduced families to. The Kenya Red Cross continues to respond, but urgent support is needed,” the agency said.
The agency noted that the drought has heavily affected vulnerable groups, especially children and expectant mothers. With food stocks depleted and water sources drying up, residents are facing harsh living conditions.
The Kenya Red Cross said it is continuing to respond to the crisis by providing humanitarian assistance, but warned that more support is urgently needed to meet the growing needs.
Drought crisis
The update comes just days after the agency warned that families and livestock in Turkana East are enduring severe hardship as drought tightens its grip.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the humanitarian organisation shared details of its relief mission in Suguta Sub-County, where residents are battling acute water and food shortages. On their way to the area, the Red Cross team encountered livestock weakened by the drought and stopped briefly to give them water before proceeding with their mission.
In Suguta, the focus shifted to schoolchildren, with fortified porridge distributed to 10 schools. The Kenya Red Cross said 6,120 children and their parents benefited from the programme, supported by the Danish Red Cross.
“En route to Suguta in Turkana East for the drought response, we came across livestock weakened by the drought and paused to give them water before continuing our journey. In Suguta Sub-County, we distributed fortified porridge in 10 schools, reaching 6,120 children and their parents, thanks to the Danish Red Cross,” the organisation stated.
Turkana County remains among the hardest hit by prolonged dry spells, with many households relying on relief aid.
Kenya is grappling with a deepening drought that has affected more than 23 counties.
On January 28, 2026, Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Ahmed Idris said the crisis had worsened following a failed rainy season, naming Marsabit, Mandera, Turkana and Wajir among the most affected counties.
