Jul 15, 20192 min read

Missing Rains In Kenya

As of July 2019, two million Kenyans are facing food crisis (Standard Media - Kenya). Kenya, with its driest rainy season in 35 years, is one of multiple East African countries experiencing drought. Since 98% of Kenya’s food production is dependent on rain (UNDP - Kenya), this season has been nearly unbearable for Kenyan farmers and their families. Food prices have surged and crops are failing. Many Kenyans in the most desperate areas are leaving their homes in an attempt to find water and pasture land for their animals.

Corn that was planted has completely dried up as a result of no rains during the expected rainy season.

The Kenyan families we work with make their living on agriculture. This past March the families planted crops, but due to lack of rain they experienced a total crop failure. Our good friend Reuben said, “We planted, but all the seeds dried up. For instance, we are fetching water from far--like 1 kilometer away (more than half a mile)--and we cannot even grow any ‘greens’ (collard greens) in our garden.” He also informed us that collard greens in the market used to cost 50ksh ($0.50 USD) but now cost 250ksh ($2.50 USD), showing the significant inflation on food costs.

Water availability is a major concern as well. Our friends Simon and Reuben have said, “You can’t even imagine this, the rivers that are nearby are dry. Only one stream nearby has water occasionally, but it is dirty when it is there.” Collecting water for everyday use is becoming more challenging. Shallow wells and springs are also drying up. People who own wells with water deep enough are charging others premium prices to purchase it. With increasing food costs due to shortages and increased water prices due to inadequate supply, people are extremely burdened.

Neighbors Andrew and Jon work together to install rain gutters on our friend’s home as part of the rain catchment system.

Recently, we were able to work with our Kenyan friends to install four rain catchment systems for their families. Each family received materials and installed rain gutters on their home along with a 5,000-liter water storage tank. Although the rains have not come to fill these tanks, a water tanker truck was called to offer temporary relief by filling the tanks with water. Five thousand liters of water, being used for domestic use (cooking, drinking and cleaning) can last a family of five for one month.

The next rainy season is expected to begin at the end of October and go through December. This is the next opportunity for the majority of Kenyans to be able to plant and grow food. If rains are not enough, the food and water crisis will drastically increase. Your prayers regarding this situation are greatly appreciated.

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