Which parts of Eastern Africa have dry or semiarid climates?

In Eastern Africa, dry and semiarid climates are primarily found in the Horn of Africa and parts of Kenya. Specifically, these conditions characterize the following areas:

• Somalia: Much of the country consists of vast lowland coastal plains that experience significantly less rainfall than the wetter regions of Eastern Africa.1
• Ethiopia: Eastern portions of the country are noted for receiving far less precipitation compared to the highlands.1
• Kenya: Northeastern Kenya is identified as an area with limited rainfall.1
• Inland Troughs: Certain East African lakes situated in inland troughs at altitudes of approximately 2,000 feet (610 meters) or lower experience a hot, dry climatic environment.2

Vegetation in these semiarid regions typically consists of thornbushes, contrasting with the woodlands and grasslands found in the wetter parts of the region. Additionally, the northern flanks of major mountains, such as Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and Mount Elgon, are notably drier than their southern and southeastern sides, receiving less than 40 inches of annual rainfall.13