SAMBURU COUNTY– For pastoralist communities in Samburu County, the signs of climate change are no longer abstract predictions but a harsh reality. Six consecutive failed rainy seasons, from 2019 to early 2022, have decimated livestock, pushing families to the brink of survival. The prolonged drought, a stark indicator of changing weather patterns, has transformed fertile lands into arid landscapes, threatening a way of life that has sustained these communities for centuries.
Florence Lemasulani, a mother of six from Ltirimin, Samburu East sub-County, embodies the resilience and desperation of her community. “Every morning felt like a nightmare,” she recounts, recalling the heartbreak of watching her goats, once a herd of 30, succumb to the relentless drought. “We ended up with ten goats out of thirty.” The loss was catastrophic, not only economically but culturally, stripping her family of their heritage and means of survival.
This story is not unique to Florence. Across the region, pastoralists like Leinten Lesamisa, 38 have watched their herds dwindle, forced to sell their animals for meager returns just to afford food and other needs. For the Samburu, livestock is more than just a source of income; it’s a symbol of status, a cultural cornerstone, and a vital buffer against hardship. The devastating impact of the drought underscores the vulnerability of these communities to the escalating effects of climate change.
In the face of this crisis, local organizations are stepping up to offer innovative solutions. IMPACT, an organization operating in Northern Kenya, Launched a resilient livelihoods program in 2024, recognizing the urgent need to support the region’s most vulnerable households. This initiative aims to revitalize livelihoods by distributing drought-tolerant Galla goats, known for their resilience and rapid weight gain.
“Galla goats can grow big and very fast, unlike the East African goat, which takes time,” explains Cynthia Lenawuabene of IMPACT. “They are also very resistant to drought.” This focus on climate-smart livestock breeds highlights the importance of adaptation strategies in the face of environmental challenges.
The distribution of over 750 Galla goats in Samburu County and another 30 in neighboring Isiolo County marks a significant step towards restoring the livelihoods of pastoral communities. While this initiative offers a glimmer of hope, it also underscores the urgent need for broader interventions to address the root causes of climate change and support vulnerable communities in adapting to its impacts.
The challenges facing Samburu County are a microcosm of the global climate crisis. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts are becoming increasingly common, threatening food security, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. The resilience of the Samburu people, coupled with innovative solutions like the Galla goat initiative, offers a testament to the power of human adaptation. However, the long-term solution lies in global efforts to mitigate climate change and invest in sustainable development practices that protect both people and the planet
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