When the Rains Don’t Come… and When They Don’t Stop

If you’ve lived in Kenya long enough, you know our weather isn’t what it used to be. One moment, we’re praying for rain as crops wither in the sun. The next, torrential floods sweep through villages, leaving destruction behind.

This isn’t just “bad luck”—science tells us it’s climate change. The weather is changing, and with it, our way of life

Droughts That Last Longer

Kenya’s drought cycles have nearly doubled in frequency. What used to be a once-in-six-years disaster now happens about every three years, often lasting longer and cutting deeper. Crops wither, livestock die, and rural communities face empty granaries. Water shortages force women and children to walk further in search of safe water, adding to daily struggles.

Floods That Strike Harder

When the rains finally come, they no longer fall gently. Torrential downpours lead to deadly floods, destroying roads, sweeping away homes, and damaging farmland. The 2023–2024 El Niño floods displaced more than half a million households and claimed over 170 lives. Cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa are not spared—blocked drainage and rising waters turn streets into rivers.

Food and Health Under Pressure

Erratic rainfall and rising temperatures have disrupted Kenya’s food systems. In 2023, nearly 3 million Kenyans faced acute food insecurity. Malnutrition cases rose, particularly among children, as families struggled with soaring food prices. Floods have also created breeding grounds for waterborne diseases, while droughts increase risks of malnutrition and hunger-related illnesses.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

The economic toll of climate change is staggering. According to the World Bank, if Kenya does not act, the country could lose up to 7% of its GDP by 2050, equivalent to trillions of shillings. More than one million additional people could slip into poverty as livelihoods crumble under extreme weather shocks.

Signs of Hope

Yet, amidst the challenges, Kenyans are finding ways to adapt. Farmers are experimenting with drought-resistant seeds. Communities are harvesting rainwater and restoring degraded forests. Along the coast, mangrove restoration projects are protecting shorelines from erosion. Scientists and innovators are developing early-warning systems to help communities prepare before disasters strike.

Moving Forward Together

Climate change is not a distant threat—it is a daily reality shaping Kenya’s present and future. But with science, innovation, and community action, solutions are within reach. Every adapted seed, every restored tree, and every shared idea adds up to resilience.

Kenya’s story is not just one of vulnerability—it is also one of strength. By listening to both science and the communities on the frontlines, we can build a future where people not only survive the changing climate, but thrive in spite of it.

By Laura Gift