by Justin Tsuma, Kilifi
Drought in Kenya, which has persisted in the first months of the year, is causing climate change-related migration, which is in turn altering the dynamics between communities. In some areas of Kilifi County, especially Kaloleni and Magharini, tensions have heightened with the influx of herders from Somalia and a large number of cattle and camels in search of grazing land and water.
Figure 1: Climate stress is not just environmental it can fuel tension and conflict over scarce resources.
Despite the existence of some informal arrangements between the migrant herders and some members of the local communities, conflict emerges when the number of animals exceeds the agreed limit. The situation is also made worse by some undocumented financial arrangements that cannot be resolved through the legal framework. In Magharini, where drought is a serious problem, competition for resources has increased suspicion, particularly when the animals are sometimes left in the custody of unknown young boys. Noticing the potential for conflict escalation, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) organized religious leaders to reach out to communities through places of worship in Kaloleni.
“We cannot allow drought to divide us,” said Sheikh Harun Musa, SUPKEM Chairman in Kilifi County who participated in the outreach in Kaloleni. “Islam teaches justice, restraint and peaceful coexistence. During Ramadhan, we are reminded that patience and compassion must guide our actions even in times of scarcity.”
Christian leaders echoed similar sentiments, grounding their messages in the Lenten season. Rev. Mwanongo , who led a dialogue session in Takaungu, emphasized the moral responsibility of faith communities. “This Lent calls us to be instruments of peace. True fasting is not only abstaining from food it is abstaining from hatred, suspicion and retaliation. We must choose tolerance over tension.”
The outreaches involved more than preaching. Religious leaders taught believers on the necessary steps to take, including the early warning signs of livestock surges, community rumors, or the failure of local agreements, setting up quick communication lines between elders and religious leaders, and promoting open communication before complaints escalate.
Notably, the forums provided a platform where residents could freely discuss their concerns regarding grazing limits, informal payments, and accountability. Through such dialogue, religious leaders facilitated a shift from conflict to cooperation.
In both Kaloleni and Magharini, Sub Counties early signs of impact are emerging. Congregants have begun reporting potential tensions to local religious leaders before they spiral. Interfaith committees are strengthening coordination with community elders and messages of peace are being consistently amplified during Friday prayers, Saturday and Sunday services.
As climate pressures continue to escalate in the country, these grassroots religious conversations prove the following: faith institutions are among the most trusted platforms for conflict resolution and moral direction. By incorporating seasonal spiritual themes, such as the message of self-control during Ramadhan and the message of peace and tolerance during Lent, religious leaders are turning places of worship into hubs of resilience.
In a season of drought and uncertainty, the message from Kilifi is clear: peace is not passive.
Figure 2: Severe Drought Hits 16 Wards In Kilifi
