Kenya's Families Feel the Pinch as Ukraine War and Drought Hit Food Supplies

The war in Ukraine and drought in Kenya had a devastating impact on families' ability to afford food, particularly in informal settlements like Mukuru. According to research by Harvard University's Matthew Shupler, after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, global energy markets were severely affected, causing international crude oil and natural gas prices to skyrocket.

The drought that year also reduced harvests across the region, contributing to record global food prices. Kenya, which imports about 92% of its wheat consumption, was badly affected by these price increases.

A study in Mukuru, an informal settlement in Nairobi, tracked changes in dietary and cooking behaviors among families who used smart meters from PayGo Energy. The data showed that households greatly reduced their gas usage, with an average of only 8 days a month spent cooking with gas in 2022 compared to 19 days in 2021.

Surveys revealed that families were forced to change what they ate, consuming more ugali, vegetables, and fast food while reducing meat and fish consumption. Half the families reported skipping meals, and one-third reduced their gas usage altogether.