County says humanitarian needs now exceed its capacity as host communities and schools strain under displaced families.

By Silvio Nangori

Marsabit Governor Muhamud Ali has appealed for urgent support from the national government, UN agencies and development partners, warning that the conflict in Moyale, Ethiopia, has created a humanitarian and public health emergency on the Kenyan side of the border.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Governor cited a government-led rapid needs assessment presented on November 12, 2026, which estimates that more than 50,000 people have crossed into Marsabit County seeking safety. About 10,000 Kenyan residents have also been displaced within the county. He stressed that the figures are planning estimates while registration and profiling continue.

He said thousands of displaced families are sheltering in schools and temporary facilities, while others are staying with relatives. The Governor praised residents for opening their homes but said the generosity “comes at a considerable cost” and that host communities need support alongside the displaced.

He raised alarm over overcrowded shelters, shortages of essential medicines, worsening nutrition and confirmed cases of measles and rubella. Without swift intervention, he warned, further outbreaks are likely. He called for expanded immunization, stronger disease surveillance, nutritional care, and improved water, sanitation and hygiene services.

The Governor added that immediate priorities include emergency shelter, medicines, protection for women and children, psychological care and measures to prevent gender-based violence. The Governor also urged the identification of safer temporary sites away from cross-border fire and flood-prone areas.

He said the county will consider emergency funding measures and a coordinated costed response plan, but acknowledged the scale of need “exceeds what the county can address alone.”