Kenya leads an emergency plan for more than 36,600 Ethiopians who crossed the border

27 October 2026

Kenyan authorities are leading an emergency response plan to host more than 36,600 Ethiopians who fled escalating insecurity in southern Ethiopia. The displacement follows fighting between forces from Ethiopia's Somali and Oromia regions, which stems from a decades-long dispute over boundaries and resources. Many of the displaced are staying with host communities. The United Nations is supporting the government-led response: the World Food Programme, the International Organization for Migration and the UN refugee agency are assessing needs and providing emergency supplies and technical support, while UNICEF Kenya reported delivering therapeutic nutrition supplies to a local hospital and is supporting malnutrition screening, infant and young child feeding, safe water and hygiene services. UNICEF provided four water tanks of 10,000 litres each and hygiene kits for about 1,000 households.