Climate Change and the Rising Waters of Kenya’s Rift Valley: A Story of Displacement and Adaptation

Climate Change in Kenya’s Rift Valley: The Devastating Impact on Lake Baringo and Beyond

James Owuor, a 38-year-old resident of Kenya’s Rift Valley, never imagined he would be tasked with describing the Before Times in the region. Growing up, he listened to elders recount stories of the past, but now he finds himself witnessing the dramatic changes brought about by climate change. Lake Baringo, once a familiar landscape, has risen by 40 ft. over the past decade due to unprecedented rainfall, inundating thousands of acres and displacing residents like Owuor.

The rising waters have not only destroyed homes and businesses but have also threatened the livelihoods of over 100,000 people who depend on the lake for fishing and agriculture. The nearby Lake Bogoria, with its highly saline waters, poses an even greater threat. If it breaches its natural barriers, it could flood Lake Baringo with deadly alkaline waters, further exacerbating the crisis.

The merging of the two lakes would have catastrophic consequences, leading to the destruction of industries and forcing residents to migrate to neighboring towns and cities. The influx of climate migrants is already overwhelming existing services providers, who are ill-prepared to accommodate the growing population.

This phenomenon is not unique to Kenya; globally, millions of people are displaced each year by ecological disasters linked to climate change. The Institute for Economics and Peace estimates that 1.2 billion more people could be displaced in the next 30 years if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked.

As climate migration becomes a reality, cities and towns must prepare to absorb new arrivals and provide essential services. Urban planning is crucial to ensure that climate migrants can transition to urban livelihoods and contribute positively to their new communities. Investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare are essential to support this transition.

Countries like Bangladesh offer valuable lessons in urban adaptation to climate change. By preparing residents for voluntary migration and investing in secondary cities, they are creating opportunities for climate migrants to thrive in new environments. Proactive policies, such as community relocation projects, can help vulnerable populations start anew in safer locations.

For individuals like Evelyn Ajuang, who lost her home to rising waters, having a safe place to land and resources to start over can make all the difference. As climate change continues to reshape landscapes and livelihoods, proactive measures and international cooperation are essential to address the challenges of climate migration and ensure a sustainable future for all.