SAMBURU: “God, God, God, protect them,” chanted two herders, their eyes following a dozen camels rushing toward acacia trees, oblivious to the dry riverbed in northern Kenya where it hasn’t rained since April.

Sitting on the edge of a nearby well, Chapan Lolpusike recounted how his cows and oxen “all died” following the worst drought in four decades, caused by a succession of poor rainfall in 2021 and 2022.

After that, the herder made a sweeping change.

“We no longer have cattle at home. We only raise camels,” said Lolpusike, a member of the semi-nomadic Samburu community.

Camels can graze on dry grasses, go more than a week without water, and produce up to six times more milk than cattle — making them an increasingly necessary option in northern Kenya, an area particularly vulnerable to climate change.

Samburu county officials launched a camel programme in 2015 following several droughts that killed off at least 70% of the cattle in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions.

The die-off had a devastating impact on malnutrition among local pastoralists.

Around 5,000 Somali camels — a larger and more productive breed than the native herd — have since been distributed, including 1,000 in the last year.

Camels for every family

Lolpusike, who previously knew nothing about camels, received some in 2023.

In his manyatta — a hamlet of rectangular huts nestled in a shrubby savannah — a dozen camels lay peacefully chewing dry grass.

The goal is for every family in the county to have their own, said village administrator James Lolpusike (no relation).

“If the drought persists, the cattle will not be anywhere anymore,” he said.

Camel herds are at high risk of disease that could lead to losses.

But there are clear, positive changes as they become a regular sight in the region, including healthier children, said the village administrator.

They are certainly popular in the community, for the fact they can be milked up to five times a day.

“Cows are only milked when the grass is green,” said Naimalu Lentaka, 40.

“Camels… during the dry season, they are still milked, and that’s the whole difference.”

Families now “depend on camels, on those who own them,” she added.

Racing stars

Camel milk and human breast milk have similar nutritional and therapeutic properties, according to a 2022 study by Meru University in Kenya.

Camel milk contributes up to half the total nutrient intake during droughts among pastoral communities in the north.

The animal is already a star in the region, thanks to a famous endurance race.

At the Maralal International Camel Derby in late September, around 40 camels frolicked before a cheering crowd.

The winner covered 21 kilometres (13 miles), the equivalent of a half-marathon, in one hour and 22 minutes.

But organisers said the event — whose theme was “peaceful cultural interactions” — was primarily about bringing together communities that used to fight over resources, since, among their many virtues, camels are also a symbol of peace.

Moving cattle herds to more fertile areas during the dry season can spark conflict between herders that have claimed hundreds of lives over the years.

Camels are happy to stay where they are.

Even this hardy animal needs some water, however, so locals still pray for rain.

“We only pray the situation doesn’t get worse,” said James Lolpusike.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced amendments to Umrah visa regulations, Al Arabiya reported, citing sources. 

Moving forward, visas will be automatically cancelled 30 days after issuance if the pilgrim has not entered Saudi Arabia within that period. 

The policy takes effect next week. The validity of the visa before entry is reduced from three months to one month from the date of issuance. 

There is no change to the permitted length of stay once the pilgrim arrives, it remains three months.

Managing rising pilgrim flows

Ahmed Bajaeifer, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, told Al Arabiya the measure comes as the ministry prepares for a significant rise in Umrah pilgrims following the end of summer and a drop in temperatures in Makkah and Madinah. 

The aim is to better manage crowds and prevent overcrowding in the two holy cities.

Record momentum this season

According to Al Arabiya, more than four million Umrah visas have been issued to international pilgrims since the new Umrah season began in early June. 

Compared to previous seasons, this year’s Umrah season is achieving a record number of international pilgrims within just five months of its launch.

Earlier expansion of eligibility

Last month, authorities announced that visitors holding all different categories of visas will be allowed to perform Umrah during their stay in the kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, The News reported. 

The visas include personal and family visit visas, electronic tourist visas, transit or stopover visas, work permits, and other types. 

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the initiative reflects the kingdom’s commitment to facilitating the arrival of Muslims from across the globe, enabling them to perform their religious duties with comfort and peace of mind.

• Deal to enhance coordination, information sharing: Hegseth.
• Hegseth, Singh meet for first time since US imposed 50% tariffs.
• Singh says new chapter to begin with the signing of US-India deal.

The United States has signed a 10-year defence framework agreement with India, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday.

The framework is considered a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence, enhancing coordination, information sharing and technological cooperation between the two nations, Hegseth posted on X after a meeting with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh.

Hegseth and Singh were meeting for the first time since the United States imposed tariffs of 50% on Indian goods in August as punishment for New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.

The tariffs prompted India to pause purchases of US defence equipment, with the two sides expected to discuss on Friday a review of India’s plans to buy the military hardware.

“We have held telephonic conversations thrice. I am delighted to be meeting you in person on the sidelines of ADMM (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Plus: ADMM-Plus). On this occasion, I feel a new chapter will begin today with the signing of the Defence Framework…I am confident that under your leadership, India-US relations will further strengthen,” the ANI quoted Indian defence minister as saying.

As Washington looks to tackle China’s growing assertiveness in the region, Hegseth is expected to meet the defence ministers of Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, among others, said an official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Delegations from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Russia are attending the meeting of defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.