Words & Pictures from Northern Kenya

How do you maintain social distance during a natural disaster?

April 21, 2020 By Leave a Comment
Isiolo river flooded with silt laden water

I have heard many people pondering how terrible it would be if, in the middle of this covid-19 crisis, we had a natural disaster that forced everyone to come together in rescue centres. Yes it would, and that is exactly what has been happening over the last couple of days in western Kenya. Torrential rain causing mudslides, flash floods and the rising waters of Lake Victoria are costing lives, washing away homes and flooding whole communities. People are currently sheltering in groups on higher ground, crammed together in makeshift shelters and many are still totally cut off from aid. Here is this mornings report in the Kenyan Daily Nation newspaper. After mudslides, experts warn of Lake Victoria backflow ... Continue Reading

The 25 year anniversary of the Rwanda genocide reminds us that the destructive effects of violence continue long after the last shot is fired

April 8, 2019 By Leave a Comment
April 2012 Inter-community Conflict, Isiolo

In the drama of the latest viral moment, or breaking news from journalists tasked with finding the newest 'bang bang', we easily forget how extensive and serious the long term effects of violence are. I have seen first hand how violence leaves it's mark on the individuals and communities involved. Time may obscure the effects on individual and collective psyche but, though new life events can help create distance, I am not sure the effects of violence every really go away. These mental and ... Continue Reading

Cyclone Idai, climate change and famine in Turkana

March 29, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Turkana House

The effects of Cyclone Idai have reached beyond the devastation of parts of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. According to the latest Kenya Meteorological Department report it sucked so much moisture out of the atmosphere that the southeast winds, those that normally bring Kenya rains at this time of the year, are pushing only dry air in our direction. The rainy season, originally forecast to be on the wetter side of normal, has been delayed by Cyclone Idai. It may be that we get very little ... Continue Reading

Shooting Elders

May 29, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Northern Kenya 2015

A group of elders narrowly escaped death this morning. They were shot at shorty after they arrived for a peace meeting on the Isiolo - Laikipia border. This should be evidence enough, for those that still need it, that elders no longer command the authority and respect that they once did among this community, and so many others like it across northern Kenya. Kenyans are not alone in their love for the pomp and ceremony of traditional leadership roles in society; the ceremonial oaths and ... Continue Reading

After the rain

May 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Children walking through a meadow of grass and flowers - Isiolo County

The rains have wreaked havoc across East Africa. Our part of northern Kenya is no exception, however, here at least it seems that the rains are now abating. The 'long rains' are normally not that long for us, the forecast and the weather signs seem to indicate that they are now coming to an end. Though these unexpected and excessive rains have left a trail of destruction and heart break, it has also left us with a lush and verdant landscape, of a kind not seen here for a decade at least. ... Continue Reading