Droughts, floods to cyclones: African nations like Kenya brace for new normal of extreme weather

Kenya and many other African nations are grappling with a harsh reality: extreme weather events are becoming the norm. Once predictable weather patterns have been disrupted, leading to a dangerous cycle of droughts, floods, and cyclones. These realities get highlighted as the countries grapple with both the aftermath and scare of Cyclone Hidaya immediately after deadly droughts and floods.

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The Nairobi-based environmentalist further stresses that the changing climate disproportionately affects marginalised communities, exacerbating existing inequalities and widening the gap between the rich and the poor. “Vulnerable people, including women, children and the elderly, are often the hardest hit by climate-related disasters. They face increased risks of displacement, food insecurity and health issues, and their safety ought to be prioritised,” said Indakwa.

Economists have warned that the economic implications of climate change are also significant and far-reaching, with the destruction of infrastructure, loss of livelihoods and disruption of agricultural activities imposing heavy costs on rural economies. Besides the immediate impacts, such events can have long-term consequences for economic development, hindering efforts to achieve sustainable growth and poverty reduction.

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More importantly, experts say developed countries, as culprits and major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, have a moral obligation to provide financial assistance, technology transfer and capacity-building support to vulnerable countries like Kenya.