The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned of urgent humanitarian need as thousands of people flee Ethiopia to Moyale, Kenya due to the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia.

As of October 22, 2026, 50,000 people have been reported to have crossed the boarder with the estimated figure likely to increase as registration and verification efforts continue, amid reports of further crossings.

“Significant cross-border movements have been reported since 22 October. According to local authorities up to an estimated 50,000 people have crossed into Kenya. The figure remains fluid as registration and verification efforts continue, amid reports of further crossing,” UNHCR stated.

The higher percentage of those fleeing from Ethiopia are Women and Children. According to the authorities some are staying with relatives and host communities, others have sought shelter in temporary locations like schools and churches.

With the rising number of refugees, the UN Refugee Agency says that food remains the most urgent need, alongside safe drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation and health care. So far, they have mobilised emergency relief supplies, including essential household items and temporary shelter materials, to support nearly 12,000 people, with efforts underway to scale up assistance as needs grow.

They have also deployed an emergency team in Moyale to work closely with the Government of Kenya, through the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) and county authorities, alongside International Organization of Migration (IOM), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and other humanitarian partners, to support the national and local response.

“We are working with authorities and partners to identify safer accommodation options, further away from the border, for those fleeing violence,” UNHCR said.

APERIT FM, HII NI YETU