Govt Warns Kenyans on Wetter Weather Ahead

Mombasa residents walk through a flooded section on Nyerere Avenue following heavy rains on October 17, 2019.
Mombasa residents walk through a flooded section on Nyerere Avenue following heavy rains on October 17, 2019.
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WACHIRA MWANGI

Kenyans in various parts of the country experiencing wet weather will have to bear it for two more months, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned.

According to a weather forecast released on Tuesday, September 8, the wet weather is expected to continue through the month of October and peak in November.

Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, parts of Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kericho, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, parts of Laikipia, Nakuru and Narok will continue witnessing thunderstorms and showers.

A man helps a woman cross flooded street in Nairobi
A man helps a woman cross flooded street in Nairobi
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"The Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley and Central Rift Valley are likely to experience near-average rainfall with a tendency to above average rainfall. 

"Occasional light morning showers are expected along the Coastal Strip while the Highlands East of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi County) are likely to experience occasional afternoon showers and cloudy conditions especially at the beginning of the month," the department explained.

In comparison, the short rains in 2020 are lower in quantity than past years.

"The distribution of the rainfall in time and space is expected to be generally poor over several areas especially during the month of October and the peak month of November," Kenya Met added.

In the month of December, sunny and dry conditions are expected to prevail over several places in the country as the cessation begins.

The areas likely to receive near-average with a tendency to below-average rainfall include: Western Counties (Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma); Nyanza Counties (Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Nyamira, parts of Migori, Kisii); Counties in the Southern, Central and North Rift Valley (Kericho, West Pokot, Nandi, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, parts of Nakuru, parts of Narok, parts of Laikipia); Counties in North Western Kenya (Turkana, parts of Samburu).

The areas likely to receive below-average (depressed) rainfall include: Central Kenya (Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Murang’a,Kiambu), Nairobi County, Eastern Region (Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi); some counties in southeastern Kenya (Machakos, Makueni and Kitui) and North Eastern Counties (Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Isiolo); Counties in the Coast Region (Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Tana River); counties in the South, North and Central Rift Valley (Kajiado, parts of Narok, parts of Laikipia, parts of Samburu and parts of Nakuru), and in south Nyanza.

The government has urged farmers to use the forecast to prepare what crops to grow on their farms for maximum advantage. 

The farming communities have been urged to liaise with the State Department of Agriculture for advice on the appropriate seeds to plant.

In areas where the rainfall is expected to be depressed, farmers are also advised to liaise with the State Department of Agriculture to get advice on appropriate crops that are drought resistant in order to make the best use of the anticipated poor rainfall performance.

Mombasa residents walk to work in the rain
Mombasa residents walk to work in the rain
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