After the floods: Stories of renewal and resilience in Kenya

Centre Village displacement site in Tana River County, the Coastal Region of Kenya, hosts people who fled their homes due to floods
Residents of Centre Village displacement site, Tana River County, in Kenya’s Coastal Region, seek refuge after fleeing their flood-ravaged homes in late 2023. Photo: OCHA/Jane Kiiru.

By Jane Kiiru

After devastating floods swept through Kenya’s Tana River County, leaving behind a wake of destruction and despair, stories of resilience and determination emerged from the displaced communities, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity.

Jaffar - weathering the storm

Jaffar Dube is a 28-year-old farmer whose dreams were drowned in the floodwaters, along with his watermelons and goats. From the ruins of his once thriving farm, Jaffar now lives in a makeshift tent at the Centre Village displacement site. Despite the staggering losses, his spirit is undeterred.

He explains: “I lost at least KES 850,000 [about US$6,000] worth of watermelons and 120 goats, which were washed away by the floods. Only 30 goats survived.”

The ruins of a house due to floods in Tana River, Kenya
The ruins of Jaffar's house in Bandi village, Tana River County. Photo: OCHA/Jane Kiiru.
Jaffar arranges his bedding inside a tent at the Centre Village displacement site
Jaffar arranges his bedding inside a tent at the Centre Village displacement site, Tana River County, after being displaced by floods. Photo: OCHA/Jane Kiiru.

Jaffar's story is just one of many in Kenya. Between October 2023 and January 2024, El Niño-related flooding displaced more than half a million people and caused 186 fatalities. The floodwaters have receded since February, but many people remain displaced, with homes, schools, farms and roads destroyed. The educational impact is significant, with children either dropping out of school, learning under trees or travelling long distances to attend school.

But despite this devastation there is hope, as people rebuild what was lost.

Jason - From ruins to resilience

Jason Busa, once a prosperous farmer and entrepreneur, also found himself at the mercy of nature's wrath. He lost all his crops and his livelihood in an instant, leaving just memories. However, undeterred, Jason resurrected his video café business in the middle of the Dumi A displacement site, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and determination to make a difference.

He reopened his café by saving some items from his former business, such as solar panels, batteries and a television.
 

Jason proudly showcases the solar panels that power his television
Jason proudly showcases the solar panels that power his television for movie nights and football matches at Dumi A displacement site. Photo: OCHA/Jane Kiiru.

Jason explains: “I don’t want to live like my parents and grandparents. They have lived a cycle of flooding and displacement every year. I hope the Government resettles us on safer and higher land and helps us rebuild our homes. Then we can return to our village to resume farming.”

Jason shows his selection of entertainment at the video café in a tent at Dumi A displacement site
Jason shows his selection of entertainment at the video café in a tent at Dumi A displacement site. Photo: OCHA/Jane Kiiru.

Amina - From despair to entrepreneurship

Amina Batula, a single mother, found solace in a simple doughnut stand at the Water Ground displacement site in Tana River County. With nothing but modest capital from her brother, she embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship, transforming her meager earnings into a lifeline for her family. Each doughnut sold is testament to her resilience amid the chaos.

“I started my business selling doughnuts with KES 200 (US$1.5) that my brother gave me,” Amina recalls.

Amina tends to her grocery stall at the Water Ground displacement site, Tana River County, after being displaced by floods in late 2023
Amina tends to her grocery stall at the Water Ground displacement site, Tana River County, after being displaced by floods in late 2023. Photo: OCHA/Jane Kiiru.

Despite the uncertainties of business, Amina perseveres, her words echoing her unwavering resolve. With weekly savings she expanded her business to include rice, sugar, vegetables and other small grocery items.

As for her future hopes, Amina said: “I hope the Government considers resettling us on higher ground. The site’s current location is prone to floods. But my main wish is to get help to rebuild my house, as living in a tent is never like home.”

The stories from Jaffar, Jason and Amina echo the struggles of countless other displaced people, and each are testament to the strength of humankind. In yesterday's rubble, their dreams of a better tomorrow shine brightly as they tread the uncertain path of recovery. As they long for safe land, they hope the Government will listen to their plea for a chance to rebuild their homes and their lives and reclaim their dignity.