The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has predicted the tentative dates when the March to May rains is expected to start in different parts of the country.
In a report dated February 29, the Weatherman explained that Nairobi County and neighboring counties including Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Embu, Meru, Kiambu, and Nyandarua, will continue receiving the rains that commenced in February.
The rains, according to the report, will then be followed by a dry spell that will run to the third and fourth weeks of March.
In terms of the distribution of rainfall in the mentioned counties, the Met Department reported that rains will be in the range between fair to good and are expected to continue until the period between the fourth week of May to first week of June.
Counties in Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Central, and South Rift Valley, according to the Kenya Met Department, will continue receiving the February rains.
The counties, among them Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Kisumu, and Kisii, will have a long season of rains extending into June.
Rainfall in these counties is expected to continue throughout the season. The expected rainfall is likely to be above the long-term average amounts for the season (enhanced rainfall).
In general, according to the report, most parts of the country are expected to receive above average rainfall.
Consequently, the weatherman has predicted some positive outcomes including enhanced agricultural production which is likely to increase accessibility to food, lower the prices of food commodities and improve nutrition.
Kenya Met Advice to Farmers
As part of its advice to members of the public, the department urged farmers to expand crop and pasture production and implement effective marketing strategies to ensure value addition of surplus feeds and fodder.
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In addition, the report urged farmers to promote good agricultural practices such as soil and water conservation as well as sustainable land management during the rains.
The department also encouraged farmers to work on sustainable land management and prepare adequately in terms of essential infrastructure for both pre- and post-harvest processes, including efficient drying, cooling, and storage facilities to reduce loses and contamination.
Also Read: Weatherman Lists Six Regions to Expect Heavy Rainfall This Week
For farmers rearing livestock, the department advised them to adopt ways of preventing and controlling diseases and pests for livestock through vaccination and vector control.
Negative Outcomes
On the flipside however, the heavy rains could bring negative outcomes and pose dangers including lighting strikes in certain areas.
Counties including Kisii, Kisumu, Nandi, Kakamega and Bungoma (Mt. Elgon areas) according to the report, have been classified as regions likely to be hit by lighting.
The weatherman also warned of possible flash floods and floods which could end up destroying property, infrastructure and crops.
Also Read: Nairobi Heatwave: Met Department Gives Advice on High Temperatures
For residents near water bodies including dams, rivers, and lakes the rains could contribute to rising water and hence threatening communities and ecosystems.
The March-April-May season is usually referred to as the “Long-Rains” season and is crucial to activities in the country including farming.
