The big rainy season is still delayed on the coast and the territory is beginning to seriously suffer from the situation. While in the north and northeastern regions of the country are already experiencing days of water in buckets that give breath to the climate and nature, between Mombasa and Malindi is not yet seen continuity in downpours. Last weekend (as if to "bless" the Holy Easter) Jupiter Pluvio seemed to be activated to water the arid lands and give breath to the population. But it was a flash in the pan that only damaged the outdoor restaurants and tourist activities. Then nothing more, if not a rise in humidity with a temperature that does not tend to lower.
Now the damage of this exceptional tail end of summer is beginning to be felt.
First of all, the land that for some time has been ready for the planting of corn, the main food of coastal people, is largely suffering, the grass is struggling to grow and consequently the livestock has less sustenance.
The result is that milk is disappearing and with it its derivatives.
Not only butter and yogurt, but also cheese. First and foremost, for use in Malindi and Watamu, mozzarella for pizza.
"No rain, no pizza" could be the sad and worried slogan of Italian restaurants.
It is hunting for one of the fundamental ingredients of the Italian specialty. There are those who buy it (at stratospheric prices) imported from Italy, those who have it flown in from Nairobi (where it is scarce anyway) and those who look for small local producers who procure the minimum amount of fresh milk to be able to satisfy their customers.
Of course, the Italian vision is nothing compared to the damage that the lack of rain is doing in Kilifi County, where cows and goats are at serious risk of malnutrition and consequently thousands of people who make a living from farming are in serious crisis.
A crisis that becomes humanitarian if even the cultivated fields are unable to produce anything.
In Kenya you never die of hunger, goes an old saying. Which had not considered climate change and deforestation. As Eric Clapton sang, "Let it rain." We add, "Tafadhali..."