As Kenya’s lakes rise, communities near their shores face serious challenges. Those who contribute the least to climate change are suffering the most, with women and children feeling the impact deeply.
Across the country— from Marsabit to Turkana, Busia to Kisumu—homes, schools, and lands are being swallowed by floodwaters. In Marsabit County, Lake Turkana’s floods have taken over public spaces like El Moyo Primary School, making life even harder for families already struggling.
In response, Kenya is working to address these challenges with a focus on justice and gender equality. The Ministry of Environment recently held a workshop in Nakuru to better understand the losses caused by climate changes. Local officials, researchers, and other stakeholders gathered to discuss how to include those most affected in climate impact assessments.
Janet Ahatho, a local director for environment and natural resources, highlighted how women are disproportionately affected. Rising waters have disrupted health, livelihoods, and education, especially for girls. The burdens of care are falling heavily on women, further increasing risks to their safety and health.
Professor Samuel Onywere from Kenyatta University also pointed out that the flooding is causing major social upheaval. In Marsabit, many communities along nearly 200 kilometers of shoreline have been displaced, causing considerable hardship for those reliant on pastoral and fishing lifestyles.
Experts at the workshop emphasized the need for improved technology and community-based data to track changes along shorelines and record how climate impacts different groups, especially women.
John Wafula from the UNFPA argued that loss and damage shouldn’t just be about financial loss. He stressed the importance of showing how climate change affects vulnerable groups, ensuring responses are inclusive and evidence-based.
Francis Kaloi from KIPPRA added that traditional financial assessments often miss the emotional and social costs of climate change. Women, girls, and individuals with disabilities face the toughest challenges, yet often lack a voice in decision-making.
The workshop, hosted by the Climate Change Directorate with UNDP Kenya, aimed to operationalize a mapping framework to help assess climate impacts and secure funding for responses.
Preliminary estimates suggest rising lake levels have resulted in about $60 million in losses in Kenya. However, these figures don’t capture the full extent of the suffering, particularly for women whose daily lives and dignity are often overlooked.
As global discussions on financing for climate loss and damage continue, Kenya’s approach underscores a larger call from affected communities. They seek not only scientific solutions but also fair and just ones. For those living on the water’s edge, recognition and support are essential for survival.
For further insights and updates on this pressing issue, you can refer to the United Nations Climate Change reports.
