Resilience Amidst Devastation: Life After Kenya’s 2024 Floods

The 2024 floods in Mathare, Nairobi led to extensive loss of life and displacement, severely impacting livelihoods, particularly among women and children. Humanitarian organizations are working to address the emerging needs of the displaced population. The government’s reactive measures, such as forced evictions, have compounded the challenges faced by survivors. Despite these adversities, initiatives aiming to rehabilitate the area and support residents show promise for recovery and resilience.

The March to May rainy season of 2024 devastated Mathare, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, leading to significant loss of life and property. On April 24, severe flooding displaced over 7,000 residents, as reported by Save the Children, leaving many struggling to cope with the aftermath. In October, Dialogue Earth found residents still reeling from the extensive destruction, particularly recalling individual stories of survival amidst the chaos.

Doreen Achieng, a mother of four, described an overwhelming night when floodwaters surged into her home, ultimately claiming her livelihood and belongings. Previously a food vendor, she now faces immense difficulty providing for her children due to the loss of her business and home. The floods not only claimed lives—15 of her neighbors perished—but also obliterated the economic fabric of the community.

The floods resulted in approximately 294 fatalities in Kenya and displaced an estimated 55,000 households nationwide, primarily affecting informal settlements like Mathare, Kibera, and Mukuru. According to the Kenya Red Cross flood operations report, the flooding also devastated livestock and agricultural land, revealing systemic vulnerabilities of impoverished communities to extreme weather.

Edward Okoth, a flood victim, recalled the harsh conditions of temporary shelters established in schools, where food scarcity led to conflict among displaced individuals. The El Niño weather phenomenon exacerbated the flooding, underscoring the susceptibility of vulnerable communities in Africa to shifting climate patterns that lead to destructive flooding.

The growth of informal settlements contributes to the heightened risk of environmental disasters, as evidenced by overpopulation and inadequate infrastructure. The Kenya Meteorological Department’s report on climate change in 2023 highlighted an alarming correlation between extreme weather events and urban informal settlements. Past droughts have only amplified this issue, demonstrating the precariousness facing these communities.

Sharon Dimanche from the International Organization for Migration discussed the increasing displacement in Kenya and the East Horn of Africa resulting from climate change and conflict. In May 2024, around 18.4 million individuals were displaced. This number had surged to over 20 million by September, indicating a growing regional crisis that necessitates urgent humanitarian responses.

Women and children were disproportionately affected by the floods, experiencing unique challenges such as neglect and lower school attendance. A UNICEF report emphasized that the pre-existing vulnerabilities for pregnant women and infants were worsened by the emergency created by the floods. Organizations such as Save the Children have attempted to address these concerns, providing crucial support for mental health and educational resources.

The floods not only caused physical and economic destruction but also emotional trauma. Survivors, like those in Mathare, are grappling with the need for healing and resilience in the face of personal losses. The government’s subsequent demolition of homes near flood-prone areas further heightened feelings of displacement, making recovery efforts nearly impossible for many residents.

After being evicted, some survivors have begun to foster resilience by converting former home sites into vegetable gardens, which provide sustenance and potential income. Additionally, the government’s ClimateWorX initiative offers temporary financial assistance to support rehabilitation efforts for urban river ecosystems and enhance job opportunities for the local youth.

Despite adversity, many survivors of the floods express the imperative need for long-term, sustainable solutions, including improved infrastructure and flood defense mechanisms. Easter Okech, the executive director of the Kenya Female Advisory Organization, criticized the government’s lack of preparation for such disasters and called for increased community involvement in urban planning.

The floods will leave an indelible mark on Mathare, yet residents maintain hope for a brighter future with appropriate support and strategic planning to mitigate future challenges. By collaborating on initiatives focused on education, resilience building, and infrastructure improvement, the community can emerge stronger than before, readying themselves for the uncertainties climate change may continue to impose.

The devastating floods during the 2024 rainy season have exposed the vulnerabilities faced by informal settlements in Nairobi, particularly Mathare. With significant loss of life and displacement affecting thousands, the incidents underscore the urgent need for better infrastructure and disaster preparedness in these communities. As survivors strive to rebuild their lives, a collaborative approach emphasizing long-term solutions and community engagement is essential for enhancing resilience against future climate-induced challenges.

Original Source: dialogue.earth