The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned about the likelihood of El Niño rainfall occurring in the country between October and December 2023.
Kenya Meteorological Department Director General David Gikungu said during this period, the country will experience heightened rainfall and the potential for flooding and landslides in some areas.
Gikungu emphasized the importance of proactive preparations by the relevant government agencies to mitigate possible deaths and loss of property in the forecast.
“The short rains during the period will have both negative and positive impacts across various sectors hence there is a need for adequate preparations,” Gikungu said.
Since then, the Kenya Red Cross has started coordinating activities to prepare for the impending rains efficiently.
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El Nio rains are a meteorological phenomenon that has the power to significantly alter global weather patterns and increase rainfall in particular areas.
Increased sea surface temperatures define the meteorological event in the eastern and central equatorial Pacific Ocean.
The areas most impacted are the Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Central Rift Valley, and South Rift Valley. These areas include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Trans Nzoia Counties.
Gikungu pointed out that rainfall in these areas will persist throughout the season, with the peak expected in October.
Meanwhile, the northwestern counties of Turkana and Samburu are anticipated to experience intermittent rainfall during the season.
Gikungu highlighted that these areas will likely encounter unevenly distributed rainfall in October, followed by more consistent distribution in November and December.
On the other hand, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley Counties, including Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Laikipia East, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, will receive above-average rainfall.
Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado Counties will also have rainfall above the long-term average for the season.
