Blog/Travelstory

Rain as a curse: climate impacts in Kenya

The newspapers and the internet were filled with it in the spring: the absurd amount of rain that poured down in Kenya, causing widespread disruption across the country. Streets were flooded, hundreds of people drowned, and over half a million residents were left homeless.

Charlie's Travels | Blog | Rain as a curse: climate impacts in Kenya
Africa seems poorly equipped to handle climate change, and this is very concerning. As the climate (IPCC) report predicted, an increase in extreme weather is a consequence of the warming atmosphere. Despite the fact that multiple rainy seasons per year are common, the situation is becoming increasingly extreme due to climate changes... Back in April this year: heavy rain and massive downpours pouring from the sky. Kenya is flooded… not only literally, but also figuratively. Hotels close, and tourists are stranded. In some places, even cholera breaks out. In the cities, traffic is total chaos: Nairobi, already not known for its smooth infrastructure, is completely gridlocked. It becomes even more problematic because Kenya lacks proper sewage, drainage, or dams… So when the rain falls, it falls, and there’s nowhere for it to go.

Increasingly extreme: climate change in Kenya

The climate in Africa is becoming increasingly extreme. A year before these floods, there were desperate pleas and prayers for water. Due to both the growing population and increasing water demand, the situation is becoming more complex. After a long period of extreme drought, the rain was a true relief. Livestock could survive, and forests began to grow again. But just a year later, suddenly an overwhelming amount of rain falls, with nowhere for it to go. Due to increasing deforestation, vegetation in Kenya has decreased from 40% to 5%, leading to more hardened surfaces. This soil struggles to absorb water, and during long periods of drought, water sources eventually run dry. You can see how climate change is making survival in these conditions more difficult. In the past, a Masai warrior could predict when the rainy season would begin, but unpredictable weather now brings constant surprises. This unpredictability is dangerous, and it also impacts the wildlife in Kenya. The famous 'Great Migration', the annual wildebeest migration that occurs in August and September in Kenya, has also been significantly affected by the changing climate. It's becoming increasingly difficult to link a specific pattern or season to the migration, which, of course, indirectly affects the tourism industry, as countless travelers come to Kenya to witness this magnificent spectacle.

Kenya is flooding… what's next?

Okay, that sounds intense, but is there a solution? Of course, the obvious solution is to combat climate change, for example, by reducing emissions. But just as important is tackling deforestation in Kenya. These issues must be the focus, and fortunately, there are already projects specifically addressing this. For instance, at Charlie’s Travels, we support the incredible and sustainable Mangrove Forests project. A portion of the money we earn from all the amazing trips we organize goes to this fantastic initiative. These mangrove trees absorb a high percentage of CO2, promote the ecosystem, and boost the fish population. In addition to these essential projects that target the core of the problem, numerous actions are necessary to ensure the safety of both people and wildlife. For example, there’s a need for better forecasting and warning systems so that people can be brought to safety in time. Climate-related information should be more widely available to ensure that residents can adequately prepare for droughts or extreme rainfall. Larger cities, such as Nairobi, will need to invest in better sewage systems so that rainwater can be captured and drained away. And, speaking of sustainability, in an ideal scenario, the collected water could be purified and turned into clean drinking water, ensuring enough water is available for everyone during dry periods! So there’s still a lot to be done. At Charlie’s Travels, sustainability and corporate social responsibility are always high on our agenda, and we continuously collaborate with our partners and local entrepreneurs to find creative and sustainable solutions to these complex problems. This way, Kenya can remain the incredible country that we’ve fallen in love with.

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