The Blessing of Rain After Years of Drought in Northern Kenya
Photo by Jeremy Bastard
After years of drought, Northern Kenya received its first proper rains spanning March, April and May 2023.
In a matter of weeks, the once parched landscape was completely reborn and restored. A true testimony of nature’s resilience.
It’s been many years since we’ve seen the landscape like this…!
We are overjoyed that the rains have finally arrived!
Northern Kenya experienced its first proper rain season after years of relentless drought. The long rains arrived as early as March and we’ve been blessed with just the most wonderful, abundant, rains all the way into the month of May. The smell of rain has to be one of the best smells in the world. But, when the soil has been baked for so long, the first rains hitting the parched landscape release a smell so earthy and wonderful… that will be hard to forget!
A landscape, reborn!
In a matter of weeks, the once parched landscape completely transformed into a verdant haven of life and vitality. It's hard to put into words just how unbelievably beautiful the land is at this moment. There’s abundant life in every direction you look!
One of the most remarkable aspects of this transformation is the impressive regrowth of the previously cropped trees. Out of desperation to find browse for their livestock, Samburu herders resorted to cutting down the tops of trees in the valley. It was an incredibly tricky situation to manage; balancing rangeland and biodiversity management with community stability and welfare.
The cropped trees have defied the odds (and our expectations) and shot up, reclaiming their rightful place in the landscape. A diverse array of grasses has flourished, bringing a vibrant tapestry of green to the land. The absence of invasive species is also very encouraging.
Not without its challenges!
Dry luggas across Namunyak Conservancy turned into running rivers - a sight we have not seen for years! The plentiful water, as much as it is a blessing, created a few challenges. The video compilation below gives a realistic view of what life was like these past few weeks.
The landscape itself has undergone such a profound change that it seems almost unrecognisable. It is peculiar, yet delightful, to compare it to the lushness of central Africa. The once barren and desolate surroundings have given way to a scene of natural abundance. The sight of the grasslands in bloom, a sight not witnessed in years, fills the heart with hope and rejuvenation.
