People with disabilities, especially those living in poverty, are among those hardest hit by climate change. There has already been an increase in the frequency and severity of natural hazards like floods, hurricanes and droughts due to climate change. Today as we mark International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, we’re celebrating our work with the Kenya Red Cross Society to support people to adapt and thrive in the face of the climate crisis.
Responding to the climate crisis in western Kenya
Posted on:
Monday, October 13th, 2025
CBM UK is working with the Red Cross in Bungoma County in the west of the country, which has been affected by inconsistent rain patterns because of climate change. These inconsistent rains can affect crops and cause mudslides in this mountainous part of Kenya. The project has been running since 2023 and by its conclusion in December we aim to:
- Reach 5,000 people with targeted support such as grants to help start and scale businesses, insurance support for crops and livestock, and help starting microfinance savings groups
- Educate members of the community on climate change, and make existing information more accessible through providing easy-read versions
- Provide assistive devices like crutches and wheelchairs
- Train first responders in disability inclusion
Recently Daniel Cartwright from CBM UK visited the Imani Inuka Widows Group, who received grants as part of the project:
“I witnessed how the group has been empowered to create climate-smart briquettes as a sustainable alternative to charcoal. This initiative not only provides them with a source of income when sold but, by no longer needing to cut down trees for fuel, the briquettes play a role in tackling deforestation – an issue that contributes to mudslides and the loss of crops, homes, and livelihoods.
It was remarkable to observe the briquette-making process, using coffee husks, molasses and clay to produce fuel for cooking and heating, just like traditional charcoal.
Seeing this firsthand was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities affected by the climate crisis are supported to develop their own solutions. The group are using the income from the project to fund the school fees of children in their community and as one group member shared: ‘It is our prayer to God that one day we expand.'”
Read about our work during disasters and emergencies.
Find out more about how we’re providing a disability-inclusive response to the climate crisis.
Photos and video: ©CBM UK/Plateau Media
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