Thousands of Ethiopians have fled into Kenya following renewed deadly clashes between rival regional groups in southern Ethiopia, triggering a growing humanitarian crisis in Moyale, Marsabit County.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an estimated 50,000 people had crossed into Kenya by October 29, 2026, escaping violence near the Kenya-Ethiopia border.

The arrivals, which began increasing significantly around October 22, comprise mainly women and children seeking safety from fighting involving Ethiopia's Oromia and Somali regional administrations.

The violence reportedly erupted following tensions over the raising of the Somali Regional State flag and the establishment of an administrative office in a disputed area of Moyale, which is shared between the two regional administrations.

The clashes have reportedly resulted in deaths and injuries, while sporadic gunfire has continued to be heard from the Ethiopian side of the border.

The growing influx has placed additional pressure on communities in Moyale, with thousands of displaced families seeking temporary shelter in schools, churches, camps and homes provided by local residents.

UNHCR says some families have been hosted by relatives and local communities, while others are staying in temporary accommodation as humanitarian agencies coordinate emergency assistance.

The immediate humanitarian needs include food, clean drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation facilities and healthcare services.

UNHCR has deployed an emergency response team to Moyale and is working alongside the Kenyan government, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Kenya Red Cross Society to support affected families.

The agencies are jointly seeking approximately $8.9 million (KSh 1.16 billion) to provide emergency assistance to up to 50,000 people over three months.

Meanwhile, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has called for urgent intervention to protect displaced civilians and support communities hosting those fleeing the violence.

The situation has also disrupted cross-border trade, with cargo trucks stranded on both sides of the border amid continued security concerns.

Kenyan authorities and humanitarian organisations continue to monitor developments as concerns grow over further displacement and the increasing demand for essential services in the border region.