In May 24th, during a social work and community development tour to Samburu County, Kenya, I witnessed and documented a powerful scene that reflects both hardship and dignity. The region, like much of northern Kenya, is currently experiencing a severe drought, with prolonged dry conditions leading to acute water shortages, dust storms, and deteriorating living standards.

The video captures Samburu men, their skin and clothes coated with layers of dust—a result of the unforgiving dry wind and lack of bathing water. Many have minimal shelter and wear tattered clothing, exposing the deep effects of climate change and poverty on the local population.

Yet, amid these challenging conditions, the men continue to uphold a cultural practice that speaks volumes about their resilience: they clean their teeth using traditional toothbrush sticks, known locally as "mswaki wa kienyeji". Made from specific types of medicinal shrubs, these sticks are chewed at one end to create bristles and used to scrub the teeth, a practice passed down through generations.

This small but significant act of self-care highlights how communities like the Samburu preserve their hygiene, identity, and pride, even when basic resources are scarce. It is a striking reminder of the strength and endurance of indigenous knowledge systems in times of crisis.

The story captured in this video is not just about drought or poverty—it's about dignity, adaptation, and cultural continuity in the face of adversity.