The first rain of the season

Samburu warrior watches over Sarara Valley as the first rains of the season arrive.

The Short Rains have finally arrived in the Sarara valley!

On Monday afternoon, October 25th 2021, the first rains of the season made their way across the Sarara Valley. We received an incredible 32mm of rain.

This was the first significant rains we’ve experienced since the meagre long rains we had in March and April. For context, Northern Kenya has been in the grips of a prolonged and severe drought due to the below average rainfall over the past couple of rain seasons. On 8 September 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta officially declared drought in the North, a national disaster.

There is a palpable sense of relief among everyone in Sarara and Namunyak, and a renewed sense of hope! The rains not only restore and rejuvenate life, but also brings the reassurance that more rains are on their way.

Video below from Jeremy Bastard, Sarara’s director who made his way up the mountain, in anticipation of the rain. We are looking forward to more scenes like this November.

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