Kenya’s Innovators Adapting to Floods, Drought and Disease

By Moraa Nyangorora

Communities turning climate shock into health solutions in the wake of a crisis; relief agency launch over Kshs2 billion appeal.

Kenya is grappling with the twin crises of floods and drought threatening over 2.1 million people.

The Kenya Meteorological Department issued a nationwide advisory warning of intense rainfall, strong winds, and possible landslides in several counties.

The warning, highlights the need for heightened disaster preparedness as rivers overflow and infrastructure strains under persistent downpours.

In response, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched a KShs 2.42 billion appeal for emergency funds to support flood-affected communities.

It warns of a complex humanitarian and health emergency.

The IFRC notes that thousands have already been displaced, with early assessments showing destruction of homes, farmlands, and local roads.

“The situation requires urgent international support to scale up relief operations and strengthen local preparedness capacities,” the IFRC said in its statement.

The 15 million Swiss Francs appeal targets to assist over 300,000 people across health, nutrition ,shelter, water and livelihoods.

The appeal is in coordination with government authorities in Kenya and humanitarian partners.

It estimates that about 1.8 million people need urgent food assistance, with the numbers projected to rise to 2.1 million by early next year.

Baringo, Mandera, Marsabit and Turkana has the highest number of the most vulnerable with cases of acute malnutrition reported.

Other parts of Kenya; Narok South western Kenya have confirmed deaths from waterborne diseases like cholera.

"A united response is critical. Urgent and coordinated action from government, humanitarian partners, and the private sector is required to ensure no Kenyan goes hungry. Collective efforts today will save lives and enable communities to recover and rebuild for a more resilient future".

IFRC

Red Cross officials on the frontline with medics attending to suspected cholera cases in Narok

© Kenya Red Cross Society / IFRC

There is a resurgence of Cholera outbreak reported in Narok, South Western Kenya; 55 cases suspected, 6 confirmed, 5 deaths recorded.

The arid and semi areas of Kenya , and the Rift Valley are experiencing loss of livestock from zoonotic diseases.

A Kenya Red Cross volunteer assists residents to safety during floods in Garissa County. The response includes early warning alerts and evacuation support.

© Kenya Red Cross Society / IFRC

In Garissa County, pastoralists still reeling from livestock losses in recent prolonged drought, are now experiencing more losses from the flash floods.

Journalist Osman Ahmed Maalim of KBC reports that in Shimirey village, the heavy rains have claimed goats leaving livestock farmers frustrated.

KBC's journalist Osman Ahmed Maalim captures pictures of prevailing situation in Shimirey village in Garissa- from recent drought to floods . Weather extremes threatening livelihoods.

Communities Building Resilience

Communities across the country are quietly building resilience through early warning systems, climate-smart water solutions, and public health interventions.

In Garissa, where floods have repeatedly displaced families, local disaster committees are collaborating to map flood-prone zones and deliver early alerts via mobile messaging.

This helps communities move to safer ground before rivers overflow.

Further away in, Turkana and Mandera, women’s cooperatives supported by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) have introduced solar-powered boreholes and water purification kiosks.

These initiatives provide clean water during droughts, reducing disease outbreaks linked to unsafe water sources.

Around the lake basin the WeTu initiative is providing a large-scale model of how technology and clean energy can improve both water access and community health.

The social enterprise operates 14 solar-powered hubs and water ATMs across four counties, supplying safe water and electricity to tens of thousands of residents.

The project has installed more than 300 kilowatts of solar capacity and serves over 50,000 people with affordable, clean water and lighting.

The integration of renewable energy with water safety, is improving health resilience in climate-affected regions.

CLIMATE SMART HEALTH SYSTEMS

The Ministry of Health in its climate and health strategy spells out initiatives that are integrating climate and health surveillance.

This enables hospitals to anticipate malaria and cholera spikes tied to rainfall and temperature changes.

Community radio stations like Vox Radio formerly Amani Radio in Tana River are providing critical information related to weather updates and hygiene messages in local languages.

This is, helping prevent disease outbreaks. These localised communication efforts ensure that early warnings reach even remote communities , turning information into a powerful resilience tool.

Solutions in Motion: Local Innovations Reducing Climate-Health Risks

Region	Solution	Impact
Garissa	SMS flood alert system	Early evacuation, reduced fatalities
Turkana	Solar-powered boreholes	Clean water access for 1,500 households
Mandera	Women-led water kiosks	Lower incidence of diarrhea diseases
Lake Victoria region	WeTu solar water hubs	Safe water for 50,000+ residents
Tana River	Community radio alerts	Faster public health response

Connecting Local Action To Global Agenda

Kenya’s efforts mirror a wider continental push under the African Health Adaptation Strategy and discussions leading to COP30 in Brazil, where climate-health resilience is a key focus.

The IFRC emphasises that protecting health systems from climate impacts, requires investment in local preparedness, community-led adaptation, and sustained humanitarian support.

Kenya’s growing network of community responders, innovators, and social enterprises like WeTu show that solutions are already emerging on the frontlines, what remains is to scale and sustain them.

What's Working; At A Glance

Community-based early warning systems save lives

Solar-powered hubs and boreholes improve water access

Health facilities using climate data for disease surveillance

Local media and digital tools driving behavioural change

Seeds of Resilience: Kenya’s Farmers Growing Hope in a Changing Climate

Farmers in Kenya are adapting to the growing harsh weather and unpredictable patterns by embracing drought tolerant crops. Sorghum, millet, cassava , African leafy vegetables, are returning to tables as staple foods in households across the country.

The recent held Trade Fair in Nairobi was a demonstration of the resilience of the Kenyan farmer in protecting indigenous seeds.

Farmers showcased drought-tolerant sorghum, pest-resistant cowpeas, and heritage vegetables like amaranth — crops capable of surviving unpredictable weather while nourishing families.

In partnership with the Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organisation KALRO communities are reviving indigenous seed banks, exchanging local varieties, and embracing their right to choose what to plant.

Farmers receive critical farming information and weather forecasts real time, sparking a rise in the adoption of climate smart practices like water harvesting , composting, intercropping and soil regeneration to nourish the populace.

KALRO representative at the Trade Fair said through the Kenya digital agriculture platform , farmers are able to receive weather forecasts, agricultural insights, agronomic advise and market information.

“We are not just growing food — we are growing the future.”- KALRO

Beneath the vibrant displays at the Trade Fair, lay a global conversation- one about food security seed sovereignty and the fight to keep farming viable as the planet warms.

“If we lose control over our seeds, we lose control over our food — and ultimately, our future.”— Dr. Vandana Shiva, Environmental Activist and Founder of Navdanya, India

Across the world, food systems are under pressure. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts are disrupting harvests from the Horn of Africa to the American Midwest.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that climate change could cut global crop yields by up to 30% by 2050 if adaptation doesn’t accelerate.

For regions like Kenya — where agriculture sustains millions — the stakes couldn’t be higher.

THE SEED DEBATE

Seed Sovereignty Shaping Food Security Worldwide Power vs. Autonomy:Over 60% of the global seed trade is controlled by just four multinational corporations, limiting farmers’ rights to save and exchange seeds — especially in developing regions where smallholder farming sustains livelihoods. Biodiversity at Risk:The shift toward uniform, commercial seed varieties has caused a loss of up to 75% of global crop diversity over the past century. Communities across Asia, Africa, and Latin America are reviving indigenous seeds to restore ecological balance and resilience against pests and drought. Policy and Resistance:From India’s Navdanya to Latin America’s Red de Semillas, farmer-led campaigns are challenging restrictive seed laws. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants (UNDROP) and the FAO Global Plan of Action on Plant Genetic Resources reinforce farmers’ rights to seeds as essential to food security. Climate and Viability:With the IPCC warning of frequent droughts and failed harvests, seed sovereignty is increasingly viewed as a climate justice issue. Locally adapted, diverse seeds offer flexibility and resilience — making them central to sustainable farming futures.

In protecting its seed, empowering small holder farmers, and promoting sustainable practices, Kenya is contributing to a global blueprint for food sovereignty and climate resilience. It is defining its future of farming, in a warming planet.

Evaluating Progress Since the Paris Agreement: The EU Green Deal's Impact on Climate Efforts Ahead of COP30

By Nelly Moraa Nyangorora

COP30, the EU Green Deal & a U.S. Exit — What They Mean for Global Climate Action

Kenyans observed Oct 10th to plant trees and clean the environment

The world soon meets in Belem Brazil for COP30 in the face of three big climate narratives colliding: Europe’s bold Green Deal, America’s announced exit from the Paris Agreement under its new administration, and the urgency for global cooperation.

St Bakhita Primary School in Nairobi Kenya striving to create awareness on conservation through art

The European Green Deal launched in 2019 is pushing Europe closer to becoming climate-neutral by 2050.

Through the deal, there have been major investments in renewables, adoption of stricter emissions laws, and support for a “just transition” to support communities affected by the shift.

Europe is sourcing nearly half its electricity from renewable sources — a signal that policy and investment can move the needle. Far from being perfect, the EU green deal is seen as providing a model for ambition, aligned with accountability.

Dampening this spirit however was the declaration and signing of Executive Order 14162 by the US President Donald Trump January 20, 2025 withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and related climate commitments.

A move that derails and complicates climate finance commitments especially when it comes to implementing global funding goals. Reuters

Although some states,cities and coalitions within the US are pledging to pursue Paris goals independently, the withdrawal affects the US influence in shaping global rules, policies and carbon markets. There is rising criticism to the move with fears of a leadership vacuum that may be filled by EU or China. Clean Air Task Force+2White & Case+2

The US withdrawal thus is perceived as raising the stakes for other players and makes COP30's success more crucial.

COP30

The meeting of the Conference of Parties is expected to review and update climate commitments (NDCs), negotiate finance for adaptation and loss & damage, and chart pathways for carbon markets.

However many countries are behind on submitting their updated climate commitments NDCs, and financing remains contentious. Le Monde.fr

Europe is anticipated to enter COP30 with its Green Deal credentials and ambitious climate laws as bargaining leverage.

Meanwhile, the U.S. absence will spotlight whether the global community can sustain momentum without one of its largest historical emitters.

For countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, COP30 offers both risk and opportunity:

• Risk: With weaker participation from large emitters, pressure may fall on developing nations to carry more burden.

• Opportunity: The EU (and possibly others) may deepen partnerships, technology transfer, and targeted climate finance to bridge gaps in trust and resources.

COP30 looms not just as another climate meeting, but as a turning point.

With the U.S. stepping back and Europe pressing forward, the world will watch whether climate diplomacy can hold together when even the “big players” falter.

Africa — including Kenya — must stay alert: engage boldly, demand accountability, and align climate diplomacy with local innovation and resilience.