There are more ways than one that climate change affects Kenya as a nation. Like any other nation, the drastic changes in the climate have affected the way of life of many Kenyans with disastrous consequences as proof that an effort is needed. Earlier in the year 2023, several farmers complained about the numerous deaths of their cattle due to the drought that plagued the counties like Kaijaido which are known for their practice of pastoralism and reports that Kenya experienced the drought at the end of 2022. Pastoralism is just one of the main economic activities for people in Africa’s arid and semi-arid areas with about 90% of youth employment and 95% of rural family incomes in the drylands of Northern Kenya. However, while climate change keenly affected pastoralism in Kenya in the last year, cattle in Kenya are not the only animals affected by the climate of the country. 

In our previous blog, we discussed the different climate that affects the nation of Kenya. The great wildebeest migration is one of the most sought-after experiences that occurs annually in Kenya. The wildebeests can amount to about 1.2 million in number with about 300,00 zebras and gazelles in tow. These animals using their survival instincts move in a constant cycle through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of grass and water. The pursuit for water and pasture moves these animals from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Rainfall is the chief driver of this great event. In Kenya, the wildebeest migration begins around July. These animals cross over the Masai River facing various threats of attack. By October or November, the wildebeests start their journey back to the Serengeti in Tanzania. The move is also triggered by the dry season. The receding rainfall forces them to look elsewhere and this isn’t just for the food search but also for the birth of their young and a new generation of wildebeests. 

The great wildebeest migration holds immense ecological significance as it helps to balance the ecosystem. We have already discussed how various animals are important to our ecosystem and the great migration is the best example of that. The wildebeests consume vast amounts of grass which helps control it’s growth. Their dung contributes to soil fertility which also helps in the growth of vegetation. It has also been mentioned that the animals face threats from different wild animals throughout their commute. This creates a great prey vs predator dynamic. 

This is not something that you would think about in your day-to-day thoughts as you seek to understand Kenya. Any change to the climate that is unpredictable tips the scale on the normal course of things. We would dread the day when the migration doesn’t happen because of our complacency towards our environment. 

“The migration of the wildebeest is a magnificent sight equal to the exodus of the buffalo on the western plains of America. The wildebeest move in columns of 20 across the face of Africa like a plague of locusts.”

– Ansel Adams