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Kakuma, a town in the North-Western part of Kenya, is an arid region characterized by strong winds, high temperatures, and short rainy seasons. However, recent weather patterns have posed unprecedented challenges. The short rainy period in November and December 2024 coupled with the recent strong winds caused havoc and destruction in the community, leaving a trail of destruction, severely affecting households and community-based organizations that form the backbone of local support systems.
One such Community-based Organization (CBO) is *Refugee and Host Resilience Initiative (REHORI), based in Kakuma 1, next to Field Post 1. Late last year, 2024, the short rainy season destroyed households and CBO structures, temporarily halting work and rendering the roads impassable for almost a week.
Since January 2025, the intense winds have rendered the area unbearable. February typically brings hot, windy, and dusty conditions. A mere five-minute walk during the day leaves you sweaty and covered in dust. Additionally, these strong winds can uproot homes, topple fences, and even bring down trees.
In November 2024, REHORI was struck by the first disaster, with two of its latrines completely submerged due to the heavy rains. In January, a second tragedy struck again with the strong winds blowing away the roof of the hall in which they hold community engagement sessions. These chaotic weather patterns have not only affected REHORI, but also hundreds of families within the camp with some being forced to relocate from flood-prone areas.
As REHORI works on rebuilding its structures, there is optimism that these challenges will both enhance community bonds and highlight the necessity for thorough support from stakeholders across all levels.
Interview with Alexander Faizi, Founder and Director, REHORI.
The havoc wreaked by November rains.
The brief rainy season, usually a relief from Kakuma’s dry conditions, became devastating in November. Heavy rains resulted in flooding across multiple areas, destroying temporary shelters, damaging roads, and displacing families.
“Last year, two of our center’s latrines became completely submerged during the heavy rain,” Alexander explains. “This was unfortunate, as we urgently needed a latrine for hygiene, especially since we conduct community training sessions and have staff working at our center.”
This unfortunate event not only disrupted their operations but also hampered the delivery of critical services to the community. “ We had to come together as staff at the center and contribute a fee for the construction of a new latrine.”
This also saw the temporary halt of work and schools as the roads were impassable. They were muddy and the pot halls filled with water.
Strong winds compound the crisis
Just as REHORI began to recover from the floods, January came with the strong winds that swept across Kakuma, exacerbating the damage.
“Quite recently, the strong winds blew off the roof of our hall and its walls.” says Alexander. “This is quite disheartening. We are unable to hold our sessions within our center and this has affected our work within the community.”
Now with two latrines submerged by water and a training hall blown away by the strong winds, REHORI, just like many affected households, is working to rebuild.
The path to rebuilding
Despite the devastation, the spirit of resilience remains strong. REHORI, with the support and contributions of staff, has been able to put up a new latrine and has initiated recovery efforts.
“The community should come together in these times to support each other. I believe partnerships and collaborations are the backbone of a strong community.” laments Alexander. “However, support from other international agencies and the government in building strong, withstanding structures will help when it comes to such adverse weather conditions.”
A call for support
The recent weather events in Kakuma highlight the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure and disaster preparedness. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, vulnerable communities like Kakuma face increasing risks. There is a pressing need for both immediate support to aid recovery efforts and long-term investments to build resilience against future disasters.
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