The Counties of Samburu and Laikipia in Kenya have been deprived of proper rain for several years and this has led to a crisis amongst the communities that surround the Loisaba Conservancy. A recent consensus showed that the number of cattle owned by the community had reduced from 3,000 to 600, mainly through starvation rather than sales. Wild animals, such as the Grevy's Zebra, have been supplemented with lucerne and desperate measures have been taken to ensure that any rain, any rain at all, can be retained. Moreover the population itself has really suffered, with emergency supplies being sent out from Loisaba Conservancy and other organisations.
When my visit started, it was the beginning of what should be the rainy season, but every day the clouds would blow themselves up into the most fairytale cumulonimbus, turn dark with water droplets, but then sail across the conservancy and the communities to reach lower areas. We heard that Nairobi was awash, Nanyuki had enjoyed rain, but there was nothing for Loisaba.
One day the rain stopped short of the conservancy, and the sky was lit up by a beautiful rainbow, sending hope but no water across the hills. Everyone and everything ached for the rain.
