Drought and flood risk in Kitui, Kenya: are they increasing and why?

During the past years, the county of Kitui in Kenya, has experienced severe droughts. Both the short rain season, in March, April and May and the long rain season, in October, November and December have failed for several years in a row. This has had devastating impacts, leading to widespread water and food insecurity. According to local people, the rain seasons have changed over the past years, thereby increasing drought risk. At the same time, flash floods, destroying farmland and water infrastructure are reported to have increased as well. We investigate whether drought and flood risk in Kitui, Kenya, have increased over the past years and what the role of climate, hydrology and humans is in this increase. In addition, we investigate whether droughts are influencing flood risk and vice versa.