- Meteorological Services director Dr David Gikungu said the predicted depressed rainfall will impact many sectors in various ways.
- The coastal region, most of the southeastern lowlands and Northeastern Kenya are expected to receive below average rainfall.
Image: FILE
Image: FILE
The country is bracing for a season of mixed weather impacts.
This is as the October-November-December 2024 short rains are expected to bring near-average to below-average rainfall.
Meteorological Services director Dr David Gikungu said the predicted depressed rainfall will impact many sectors in various ways.
“But with adequate preparations, the country can avoid some of the likely negative impacts while taking full advantage of the positive ones,” he said.
Gikungu said while the Western sector will benefit from near to slightly above-average rains, Central and Eastern parts along with some lowlands, are likely to face challenges of drought and higher temperatures.
The coastal region, most of the southeastern lowlands and Northeastern Kenya are expected to receive below average rainfall.
“This will be driven by weak La Nina conditions which are likely to develop during September to November and persist into early 2025 and a neutral Indian Ocean Dipole,” he said.
Gikungu said the distribution is expected to be poor over most parts of the country with prolonged dry spells and cases of isolated storms.
“Temperature is expected to be warmer than average over most parts of the country, except over a few areas in the western sector where temperature is expected to be near normal. Higher probabilities for warmer than average temperatures are expected over Central and Eastern sectors of the country,” he added.
He noted there will be enhanced agricultural production over the highlands west of the Rift Valley, Central and parts of south Rift Valley and Lake Basin (western sector).
This is likely to enhance food accessibility and lower food prices in these regions.
The Climate Outlook for the October-November-December 2024 'Short Rains' season indicated that pasture rejuvenation will enhance livestock production over the western region, hence reduced distances to livestock watering points.
Some isolated areas over the western sector may however experience flooding.
This may lead to water logging, erosion, nutrient leaching and degradation, which may in turn impact negatively on soil health.
“There may be an influx of pests and diseases for both crops and livestock as a result of excess moisture over the western region. Excess moisture may also result in pre- and post-harvest challenges, such as spoilage, rotting and contamination of produce over the Western region,” the weather outlook showed.
“Excess moisture is likely to lead to increased weed proliferation, necessitating weed management strategies. This may in turn increase the cost of production over the western region.”
In the Eastern parts of the country, there is a likelihood of shortage of pasture, browse and water.
Gikungu advised farmers in areas expected to have enhanced agricultural production, to utilise appropriate inputs and embrace climate smart agricultural practices.
These includes practices such as soil and water conservation, pasture and fodder conservation and sustainable land management.
He also called for provision of subsidies on farm inputs such as fertiliser and seeds.
He recommended enhancement of infrastructure for pre- and post-harvest processes, including efficient drying, cooling and storage facilities.
This is to reduce losses and contamination in the Western region.
In areas expected to have depressed rainfall, Gikungu advised communities to adapt efficient water management practices, grow drought tolerant and fast maturing crops and pasture.
He also called for enhancement of disease and pest surveillance.