Clerics have raised concerns over the drought situation in counties with majority Muslim populations as faithful fast during Ramadhan.
Some of the counties affected by drought nationwide are Mandera, Turkana, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River and parts of Lamu.
Women and children fetch water from a concrete water tank in Lopii village, Turkana East Sub County. The county has been hit by severe drought.
Photo credit: Sammy Lutta | Nation Media Group
Mr Mohamed Abdulkadir, the Lamu Branch Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem), expressed concern that dry fasting without adequate water availability often leads to severe dehydration, dizziness and potential unconsciousness, particularly when combined with the high temperatures attributed to drought.
“Instead of the faithful concentrating on fasting and communal prayers, they’re forced to prioritise survival due to water scarcity for mandatory ablutions in those mosques,” said Mr Abdulkadir. Similar sentiments were shared by Mr Mahmoud Ahmed, a Muslim cleric.
“Ramadhan is a period when we, as Muslims, are supposed to fast. No eating or drinking water for at least 14 hours. In those places with severe drought, fasting still means no food or water from dawn to dusk. Lack of access to clean water or even basic necessities makes fasting risky, increasing the risk of dizziness, kidney problems and malnutrition,” said Mr Ahmed.
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Ms Maryam Abatika of Basuba Village in Boni Forest called on both the county and national governments to consider distributing relief food and water to enable residents to observe Ramadhan without disruptions.
Currently, the vast Basuba–Boni Forest region is facing acute food and water shortages, something Ms Abatika fears could result in many residents failing to observe the holy month.
“We have no water or even food to cook during iftar or suhoor. How are we going to manoeuvre in this critical situation? This is a time when water is really needed for everything related to Ramadhan, and it isn’t there. Something needs to be done urgently,” said Ms Abatika.
Lamu King Fahd County Referral Hospital Nutritionist Dr Rehema Rimba noted that fasting during a severe drought is extremely high-risk. According to Dr Rehema, too much heat accelerates dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can ultimately result in people falling sick.
She discouraged those affected by severe drought from fasting unless there was an option, like water being distributed by bowsers in the affected areas.
“There should also be plans for them to be supplied with relief food. This is a time when the body needs a lot of water after a day’s fasting and if the water is scarce, nowhere to be found, then people's health might decline,” she said.
She also advised people not to overeat when breaking the fast during Ramadhan, but rather, have a tendency of hydrating more.
“Instead of eating too much food during Suhoor or the pre-dawn meal, people should drink lots of water or fluids. In the evening, during iftar, people should just eat like one to three date fruits, drink water, wait for like 10 to 15 minutes before consuming the main meal. They should always avoid cold foods. Even the water they drink should be in its normal temperatures,” said Dr Rehema.
Spiritually, many Muslims see drought during Ramadhan as a test of patience and faith, which can intensify prayer and community solidarity. At the same time, Islamic teachings are clear that those who face harm are exempt.
The sick, travellers and people at risk of serious health problems are allowed to break their fast and make it up later or give charity (fidya), depending on their situation.
Apart from drought, Muslim faithful have also complained of high commodity prices and insecurity in some areas.
Ms Raya Famau, a woman leader and human rights activist, said the soaring cost of essential items such as grain and cooking oil will make it difficult for many families to prepare iftar and suhoor meals.
The Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics (CICC) Chairperson, Mohamed Abdulkadir, said affluent individuals, corporations and community members should consider supporting poor and marginalised families facing severe food insecurity, rising inflation and economic hardship during Ramadan.
Lamu County Commissioner Wesley Koech said the national government is in talks with various partners, including the ministry responsible for Special Programmes, with the aim of distributing relief food to the most vulnerable Muslim families across the country.
Across the Coast region, preparations are in high gear ahead of the holy month. Traders are stocking up supplies to ensure the faithful can access essential commodities throughout the period, while security officers are beefing up measures, noting that activities extend late into the night and begin again at dawn.
