Photo/ Photo of the recent floods
By Sean Ngirici
Kenya has recently been in the middle of two extremes: severe drought and deadly floods. The
impact of climate change is no longer a distant threat – it is a lived reality.
In 2023, we experienced the worst drought in four decades.
According to the National Drought Management Authority, over 4.4 million people were in need of basic needs especially in places like Marsabit, Turkana and Mandera. Then, as they say, when it rains it pours.
From March to May 2024,heavy rains hit causing widespread flooding to various major cities across the country including the capital city, Nairobi.
The Kenya Red Cross reported over 200 people lost their lives, thousands
displaced and infrastructure was destroyed.
Experts attribute the two extremes to climate change. Scientists say the rising global temperatures
are interfering with traditional weather patterns, making rains more intense and droughts more
prolonged.
Photo/ of a man feeding his cow following a prolonged drought
A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that East Africa
is likely to experience more erratic rainfall unless urgent mitigation is undertaken.
In response, the Kenyan government decided to host the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi late last
year.
Alongside launching initiatives such as climate-smart agriculture, reforestation campaigns and
flood preparedness programs. Farmers in arid areas have also fighting back by learning how to grow
drought resistant crops such as sorghum and millet.
As Kenya prepares to participate in COP30 later this year in Brazil, environmentalists hope the
country’s story will push for stronger international commitments. C
Climate change in Kenya is a current emergency. From flooded homes to drying rivers, the story of a
changing climate is being written in real time – and it demands for action now.
