Although Kenya lies close to the equator, the shape of the land and the proximity of the sea influence the climatic conditions of different regions. Such a variation in the climate gives rise to a range of environments.
Click on the map to see what some of Kenya's environments look like. For each, write down three adjectives that best describe the environment in the picture.
| Imagine you are a location scout and a wannabe scriptwriter for a Hollywood movie company. You have been sent to Kenya to find a suitable location to shoot a new blockbuster. |
| Click on the reel of film to argue your choice and reasons for it. Afterwards, compare your ideas with your classmates - who has the best idea for a big success at the box office? |
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| With 83% of the country described as arid or semi-arid Kenyans are used to living in a dry environment. Many nomadic people build temporary homes called aqals in the arid north as they move in search of pasture for their animals. But the worst drought in living memory is threatening their way of life. |
© Robert Maletta/Royal Geographical Society |
Go to www.gesource.ac.uk/worldguide/html/image_2188.html to see a satellite image of Kenya's drought situation in 2005. Brown areas indicate where vegetation is wilting.
| In 2005, up to 3.3 million people in 26 districts of Kenya are living with severe drought. The UN's World Food Programme estimates that over two million Kenyans need food aid. Click on the newspaper to find out more. |
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Once you have read the article, think about:
- What are some of the effects of Kenya's drought - in the short term? And long term?
- Read the July 2005 article in The Observer - how does Kenya's situation compare to the 2005 drought in the UK?
- In what ways does the article suggest that there is a global responsibility for the drought in Kenya?
- In your view, should anyone take more responsibility, and if so, what should they do to help?
- In what ways are local people working with others to come to terms with the drought situation?
© Fredrik Naumann/Panos Pictures
Wangari Maathai |
In 2004, Kenya's Deputy Environment Minister, Wangari Maathai became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her fight for sustainable use of the environment as a way of keeping the peace and improving people's lives. Read a BBC profile of Wangari or at Time for Kids. Visit her website to find out why many Kenyans regard her as a national heroine. |
Despite the drought, the banks of Lake Navaisha are blooming. Go to the next page to find out more.
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