Explainer: Direct impact of climate change on lives of Kenyans

Climate change is not an abstract concept for Kenyans; it is now a tangible reality affecting daily life in numerous ways.

From health and livelihoods to water availability and food security, the repercussions of a warming planet are profound and far-reaching.

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the average annual temperature has increased by one degree Celsius since 1960.

This warming trend is projected to continue, with severe implications for health, agriculture, and water resources.

A detailed analysis from the Kenya Alliance of Residential Association (KARA) handbook explores how climate change directly impacts the lives of Kenyans.

The health impacts of climate change in Kenya are significant and multifaceted.

Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are contributing to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that warmer temperatures create ideal conditions for mosquitoes, increasing the incidence of these diseases.

 WHO estimates that between 2030 and 2050, climate change will be responsible for 250,000 excess annual deaths due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress, along with more than Sh258 billion in direct health costs per year by 2030.

According to the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) climate change training manual, Africa, including Kenya, is particularly vulnerable to several climate-sensitive diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and diarrhea.

"The increased prevalence of climate-related diseases places additional strain on Kenya's healthcare system," KEG says.

Additionally, extreme weather events like floods can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera.

According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, heavy rains and subsequent flooding in various parts of the country have resulted in increased cases of cholera.

Agriculture is also the cornerstone of Kenya's economy and the primary source of livelihood for millions of people.

However, climate change is severely disrupting this sector.

Erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and increased temperatures are reducing crop yields and livestock productivity.

KEG says these occur due to warmer temperatures, increased humidity, and changes in precipitation patterns which in return create favorable conditions for the proliferation of pests and vectors, leading to crop damage and yield losses.

This directly impacts food security and income for many Kenyans.

A study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) projects that maize yields in Kenya could decline by up to 40 per cent by 2050 due to climate change.

This decline in staple crop production threatens food security for millions of households.

"Climate change is already affecting our agriculture," Richard Munang says.

Munang is the Africa Regional Climate Change Coordinator at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

"Farmers are experiencing unpredictable weather patterns, which makes planning for planting and harvesting increasingly difficult."

Kenya is classified as a water-scarce country, and climate change is exacerbating this challenge.

Changes in precipitation patterns and the melting of glaciers on Mount Kenya are leading to reduced river flows and shrinking water bodies.

A report from the World Metrological Organisation (WMO) and other agencies forecasted that at current rates all glaciers on Mt Kenya will be gone by 2040. 

This limits access to clean water for drinking, sanitation, and irrigation, affecting both urban and rural communities.

A report by the Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA) highlights the alarming rate at which key water towers, like the Mau Forest Complex, are being degraded.

"The degradation of our water towers, combined with erratic rainfall, is leading to water shortages that impact agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and domestic water supply," KWTA says.

Additionally, the economic implications of climate change are far-reaching.

The agriculture sector, which accounts for about 33 per cent of Kenya's GDP and employs 70 per cent of the population, is particularly vulnerable.

Reduced agricultural productivity due to climate change translates to lower incomes for farmers and increased food prices for consumers.

The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) estimates that droughts cost the Kenyan economy about 3% of GDP annually.

Additionally, the tourism sector, which is a significant source of foreign exchange, is vulnerable to climate change.

Changes in weather patterns and the degradation of natural attractions, such as wildlife habitats and coastal areas, can reduce the country's appeal to tourists.

Experts are increasingly vocal about the urgent need to address the direct impacts of climate change on human life in Kenya.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has particularly been at the forefront of climate change matters, terming climate change as the greatest existential threat currently facing humanity.

“If there was a time that anybody did doubt that we are in a catastrophic position with regards to the climate change crisis, this is the time that no one needs convincing,” Tuya said.

KARA CEO Henry Ochieng has also highlighted the association's commitment to environmental sustainability and community education.

"Let us all be responsible citizens in matters climate change, "he remarked.

Climate change is directly affecting many aspects of life in Kenya, from health and livelihoods to water availability and food security.

The impacts are severe and multifaceted, posing significant challenges to the well-being of Kenyans.

Addressing these challenges requires urgent and coordinated action at all levels of society.