Residents of Tana River County endured record-breaking heat in March 2019, with temperatures surging to 41°C by midday. The scorching conditions disrupted daily life, compelling schools to implement afternoon closures and businesses to adjust operations.
At 9 a.m., temperatures already reached 32°C, prompting workers to seek shade under trees as air conditioning units struggled to combat the heat. By 1 p.m., mercury climbed to 39°C, while primary school students soaked their uniforms in water to cool off, a practice adopted after a teacher fainted from the heat earlier in the week.
"We drench ourselves at the borehole to stay cool," said Zachary Jilo, a Class Five pupil at Laza Primary School. "Our clothes dry quickly, but it's the only way to survive." The practice became widespread following the incident that left a teacher hospitalized for heat exhaustion.
Businesses adapted to the crisis, with hotel owners reporting increased vegetable sales and shopkeepers tripling water supplies. "I used to sell five dozens of water daily, but now I can't keep up with demand," said James Macharia, a local shop owner. However, perishable goods faced significant losses as produce spoiled rapidly in the heat.
Farmer Habiba Abdulahi lost nearly half her fruit and vegetable stock over three days, while pastoralists struggled to feed livestock. Cows produced less milk, forcing herders to travel to Tana Delta or Boni Forest in search of grazing land. "Spinach and cabbages are going to waste," she explained.
By 8 p.m., temperatures eased to 33°C, but residents remained under a weather alert. A Kenya Meteorological Department official warned that heat would intensify between March 19-25, with temperatures potentially reaching 42-43°C and humidity rising to 65%. The advisory urged residents to limit sun exposure and modify dietary habits.
