CRY FOR RAIN: Trans Nzoia Clergy Call for Countywide Prayers as Drought Ravages Kenya’s Breadbasket

A section of clergy leaders in Trans Nzoia County has intensified calls for countywide prayers and urgent intervention as a prolonged dry spell threatens crops, livestock, and livelihoods in one of Kenya’s key food-producing regions.

Led by Covenant Ministries Chairman Bishop Dr. Dawson Mudenyo, church leaders have been mobilizing congregations through online platforms and physical prayer gatherings to seek divine intervention for rain amid worsening drought conditions affecting farmers across the county.

Speaking to Vision News on Wednesday evening after returning from a mission trip in Busia County, Bishop Mudenyo expressed concern over the stark contrast in weather conditions between western Kenya and Trans Nzoia, where vast maize fields are reportedly drying up due to lack of rainfall.

“I have been rained on until I am shivering. There is a lot of rain in Busia up to Lugulu, and I am shocked that farms in Trans Nzoia are completely dry, with maize crops looking like dried sugarcane leaves,” he said.

“We now need to purposely seek God’s intervention as a county. The situation is worrying and requires both spiritual and practical responses.”

The bishop urged residents, political leaders, and government officials to put aside their differences and unite in seeking solutions to the drought crisis that is threatening food security in the county often referred to as Kenya’s breadbasket.

According to Mudenyo, the clergy are proposing a massive interdenominational prayer gathering bringing together churches, community leaders, and government officials to pray for rain and relief for affected families.

“During this crippling drought, all clergy and government leadership in this county must agree to the call of the Church and organize a major prayer gathering to seek rain and relief for affected populations. This is a matter that affects everyone regardless of political affiliation,” he said.

The bishop, who has also declared interest in the Kwanza Parliamentary seat, emphasized that prayer should go hand in hand with practical measures aimed at building resilience against recurring climate-related challenges.

The clergy have further appealed to the national government to consider declaring the drought situation in Trans Nzoia a national disaster to facilitate emergency response measures and mobilization of relief support for affected communities.

At the same time, church leaders have called for long-term environmental conservation initiatives, including large-scale tree planting campaigns, protection of water catchment areas, and increased public awareness on climate change mitigation.

The renewed calls come as farmers across parts of Trans Nzoia count losses from withering crops following weeks of inadequate rainfall, raising fears of reduced harvests and possible food shortages if the dry conditions persist.

As concerns grow over the impact of climate change on agriculture, religious leaders say both faith and action will be critical in safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of farming families who depend on seasonal rains for survival.