By Elvine Ouma
The 2024 devastating floods didn’t just bring destruction to women like 24-year-old Shildah Kegeshi – they also shone a spotlight on a gendered crisis of climate change. The unsettling thing is that more extreme weather patterns are becoming more common, meaning its not yet over.
Living in Kiambiu, an informal settlement along the Nairobi River, Shildah’s family home was just 20 meters from the riverbank. When the floods hit, their precarious position turned perilous.
“The first round of floods washed away the back wall of our mud-house completely. We lost everything: cups, plates, school uniforms, books, and shoes,” Shildah recounted, her voice heavy with the weight of loss. “The water just ravaged our home.”
The torrential rains wreaked havoc across informal settlements like Mathare, Kibera, Korogocho, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, and Kiambiu. Poor drainage systems and overcrowded living conditions amplified the destruction, forcing families to seek refuge in churches, schools, and friends’ homes. However, for Shildah’s family, leaving wasn’t an option.
“When our home became uninhabitable, my father decided to leave for our rural home in Western Kenya,” she explained. “But my mother stayed behind with my siblings. We couldn’t just up and leave. This is our home, and my siblings needed to stay in school.”
In the face of adversity, Shildah and her family stood strong, facing the floods with resilience and determination. Their story is a testament to the strength and courage of women in the face of climate change crisis.
The family’s valiant efforts to save their home left them penniless. “We spent every last penny on stones and cement to fortify the wall that was washed away by the floods,” Shildah lamented. Inside their dimly lit abode, sandbags littered the floor to absorb the water, while a bed, propped up on wooden poles, safeguarded important documents from the dampness.
Just as they were beginning to rebuild, a new threat emerged. The government had marked their home for demolition in a bid to clear houses from riparian land and reduce flood risks.
For women like Shildah’s mother, staying put isn’t just about preserving a physical dwelling—it’s about securing a future for their children. Women in the affected areas took charge in handling the crisis: reinforcing homes, seeking alternative shelter, and ensuring the safety and education of their offspring. However, this responsibility has taken a toll on their mental well-being.
“I wish I could get some psychological support,” Shildah confessed. “Between sleepless nights and the constant fear of losing our home, my mental health is suffering. I need assistance.”
The day after our visit, the bulldozer rolled in. As it approached their home, Shildah’s mother crumbled under the weight of despair. Her collapse halted the demolition, with the local chief ordering the operator to spare their house. But the reprieve was short-lived; their home still stands marked for destruction.
The floods and resulting demolitions have shed light on the unequal impact of climate change on women and girls. “We’re giving it our all to stay afloat, but we could really use some extra help,” Shildah expressed. “The floods didn’t just wreck our homes; they’re tearing our lives apart.”
