Kisumu: We have often heard the older generation say that the weather is now much more unpredictable than before: that the weather is hotter or sometimes colder than it used to be. This is what scientists are calling climate change. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures, rainfall patterns, and weather behaviour across the world. Although natural climate variations have always existed, the rapid warming seen today is overwhelmingly caused by human activities, mainly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial pollution, and poor waste disposal. These activities release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, which trap heat in the atmosphere. This intensified greenhouse effect leads to global warming, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and increased flooding. Climate change is no longer a distant scientific theory; it is a lived reality.
According to Kenya News Agency, across Kenya, communities are experiencing drastic changes such as frequent droughts in the northern and eastern regions, leading to water shortages and livestock deaths, and unexpected heavy rains and destructive floods that displace families, damage infrastructure, and disrupt the general pattern of life. Heat waves that make cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa hotter than past decades; unpredictable farming seasons, which impact food production and raise food prices; and an increase in epidemics such as cholera and malaria during and after flooding are just some of the visible effects of climate change. Kenya’s environment, economy, and daily life are all feeling the pressure.
Scientists identify several key drivers of Kenya’s changing climate: burning of fossil fuels from transport, factories, and electricity generation and deforestation, which reduces natural carbon absorption. Other causes include industrial and domestic pollution, rapid urbanisation, agricultural runoff and land degradation, and global warming caused by emissions from countries worldwide. These combined pressures have intensified weather extremes and weakened natural ecosystems.
Lake Victoria, East Africa’s largest freshwater body and a lifeline for Kisumu and surrounding counties, is at the center of environmental concern. A recent report released by the East African Community (EAC) paints a stark picture of the lake’s declining health. The report titled ‘Preview Edition of the Lake Victoria: State of the Basin Report (2025)’ highlights deepening ecological stress, including declining water quality due to pollution by industrial effluent, untreated wastewater, sewage, and agricultural runoff. Eutrophication and oxygen loss have been caused by pollutants resulting in algal blooms that suffocate fish populations. The report also warns of shrinking fish stocks and biodiversity loss, threatening millions who depend on fishing for food and income.
Increased rainfall and sedimentation have led to rising lake levels, flooding homes, beaches, farmlands, and businesses along the shoreline. Climate shocks, including sudden storms and unpredictable winds, have made fishing more dangerous. EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Ariik urges partner states to invest in wastewater treatment, sustainable agriculture, erosion control, wetland restoration, and early warning systems. The report singles out pollution as the main danger facing this freshwater lake, mainly due to the discharge of raw sewage and dumping of waste.
Flooding in the Lake Victoria Basin is exacerbated by abundant precipitation, climate change, and human activities like excessive encroachment and overstocking of livestock. Rising water levels in Lake Victoria are linked to increased moisture from the southern Indian Ocean, highlighting the complex interplay between climatic drivers and the lake’s rising levels.
Climate change has also made fishing, the main economic activity around Lake Victoria, a nightmare. A report commissioned by Kenya’s State Department for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and the Blue Economy estimates significant financial losses for cage farmers due to fish kills attributed to reduced levels of dissolved oxygen and exacerbated by pollution from industries.
Kenya is addressing these challenges through national frameworks focusing on renewable energy, climate finance, green transport, and reduced carbon emissions. The National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2023-2027 outlines priority actions to tackle climate change. Initiatives include the 15 Billion Tree Initiative to restore forests, improved flood response systems, investment in renewable energy, and strengthening environmental agencies. Regional cooperation with neighboring countries aims to protect Lake Victoria and address cross-border pollution.
Despite challenges, Kenya’s youth are stepping up with climate activism, raising awareness, and participating in environmental initiatives. With stronger environmental protection, government action, and regional cooperation, a sustainable future remains possible. Kisumu’s story stands as a powerful reminder that the climate crisis is real, urgent, and deeply human and that hope lies in the choices made today.
