Feasible Solutions to Kenya’s perennial floods and droughts crisis

A file image of the perennial droughts and floods experienced in Kenya.

Kenya's battle with alternating floods and droughts, is a pressing issue, that demands a unifying attention to suppress it. The cyclical nature of these disasters, have inflicted significant damage on the country's economy, infrastructure, agriculture, and the overall well-being of its people. Nonetheless, addressing these complex issues, requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates various strategies that demand a comprehensive approach. An approach that should combine both short-term and long-term solutions. 

Recognizing that these challenges can not be shouldered by the national government alone, collaboration between the national and county governments, alongside the Kenya Meteorological Department, is imperative. However, as Kenya continues to grapple with these adversities, there exist viable measures that can be employed to tackle this issue.

One of the most coefficient, viable measure is improved water management systems. Kenya needs robust water management systems that includes effective water storage facilities, proper irrigation methods, and the development of sustainable water sources. Cases of floods have been reported in almost all parts of the country, Kenyans have lost lives, their property washed away, an indication that the current mitigation measures, are not enough. Investing in more dams, reservoirs, and rainwater harvesting techniques, can mitigate the impact of current and future floods, by ensuring water is harvested and stored for Kenyans use, during dry spells.

Afforestation and Reforestation: Deforestation has been rampant in Kenya, to the extent of the country almost losing the Mau forest to illegal loggers. It has worsened the problem by disrupting the natural water cycle. Surprisingly, in July this year, the national government lifted the logging ban in favor of employment, to a section of Kenyans and industries that depend on forest products. However, one may be tempted to ask, was this step really sustainable? On the contrary, I believe the national and county governments, should encourage more afforestation and reforestation initiatives. These measures can help restore the ecological balance, prevent soil erosion, and enhance water retention in the soil, thereby reducing the intensity of floods and droughts.

Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Promoting climate-smart agricultural practices such as drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation systems, and sustainable farming techniques can bolster food security and reduce vulnerability to erratic weather patterns. It’s high time Kenyans embraced crops such as cassava, millet and sorghum, which have been proven to be drought resistant as opposed to the much-cherished maize crop.

Improved Infrastructure: The county governments with the help of the national government, should invest in better drainage systems, flood barriers, and levees to redirect water flow and prevent inundation of areas prone to flooding. Coming up with more embankments in areas such as Budalang’i, in the Western region, could save local communities from living in tension, whenever the rainy season approaches. 

Early Warning Systems: It's obvious that The Kenya Meteorological Department, has been very vigilant in providing Kenyans with timely updates concerning floods. Kudos! To the met department. However, it’s sad when reports emerge that some Kenyans continue to lose their loved ones due to floods. My condolences, however, do Kenyans ever take anything seriously? It’s astonishing that even some prominent people in the country, have been discrediting warnings from the met department, only to heed the call when it’s already late. Nevertheless, implementing effective monitoring systems and alert mechanisms to notify communities in advance, allowing them to evacuate or prepare for incoming floods, can surely save the country further harm associated with floods .

Land Use Planning and Regulations: Enforcing strict regulations on construction in flood-prone areas, ensuring proper land-use planning, and avoiding development in high-risk zones can minimize flood damage.Citizens need to be guided properly, on what kind of house and investment structures are fit for certain areas.

Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: With the recently concluded COP28, World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, incorporating climate change policies, discussed in the world summit, will surely help anticipate and mitigate the exacerbation of floods, due to changing weather patterns.

Community engagement and education. Educating citizens about water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and early warning systems for floods and droughts, can empower communities to adapt and respond effectively to these challenges.Effective realisations of the measures put in place, demands public participation, because majority of those affected are the citizens. 

International collaboration and partnerships. It’s true that we cannot constantly depend on donors us such. However, collaborating with neighbouring countries and international organisations for technological and financial resources, could enhance Kenya's capacity to manage these natural disasters.

Policy and governance: The national and county governments, should establish strong policies, regulations, and governance structures to manage water resources effectively and equitably as they aim to combat drought.

To sum up, while these proposed solutions hold promise, their success hinges on policymakers' commitment, adequate funding, and active community participation. A comprehensive approach that integrates technology, infrastructure development, education, and community engagement is indispensable, in addressing Kenya's persistent issues of flooding and drought.