Drought

Drought is a new thing for me (Kim) in Kenya. I don't know that I've ever been anywhere that's been affected by drought to the point that you can see it.

It has not rained in Kenya for a while - throughout the country. The rainy season is to begin any day now, but the forecast is only calling for sun, sun, and more sun. While that might seem ideal for those facing rain (or snow), the crops and cattle here are dying. This has been exacerbated by the post-presidential election clashes a year ago. At that time, many farmers were displaced due to tribal violence. Crops went un-planted. With the shortage, food prices are very high. Just as an example, one staple food, cabbage, is going for 80 Ksh (about $1) per head for a small one. It used to be 10 Ksh.

Crops were planted on the Kajiado side of the Rift Valley where the Maasai are living about a month ago in hopes that the rains were starting. Now they've lost those seeds, too. Planting will have to be done again if they can afford new seed.

As you might recall, the main source of income to most Maasai is their cattle. On the Kajiado side, cows were driven across the border to Tanzania in hopes of finding water. They are now being driven back as they are dying off. I heard a report this week of a few friends who go out to their herds in the night and lift them up to try and keep them going.

Even as I write all of this, though, I see my fridge and pantry stocked with food and yet wonder what there is to fix for dinner. Of course I've got plenty, but in my eyes, the things don't go together...I can't actually make a "meal" out of it. Even though the price of produce goes up, I can still afford it.

How do I reconcile these thoughts? How can I reach out to my brother and sister in need? This is my struggle now...