- However, these will be light showers over just a few places, and may not be sufficient for planting.
- Meteorological services director David Gikungu has urged Kenyans to find county-specific forecasts that are available from county directors of meteorology.
The short rains may begin in some parts of the country this weekend, although farmers should be guided by the agricultural extension officers on when to plant, the Met department has said.
A forecast by the Meteorological Department shows that light rains may be experienced in Western Kenya, parts of the Rift Valley, and Central Kenya.
However, these will be light showers over just a few places, and may not be sufficient for planting.
Meteorological services director David Gikungu has urged Kenyans to find county-specific forecasts that are available from county directors of meteorology.
“Most parts of the country are likely to be sunny and dry. However, rainfall is expected over some parts of the highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria basin, the central and south Rift Valley and the highlands east of the Rift Valley,” he said.
In Western Kenya, afternoon rains are expected over a few places in Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia and West Pokot counties.
Central highlands that include Nairobi, Kiambu, Embu, Kirinyaga, Tharaka, Meru, Nyeri, Nyandarua, and Laikipia counties might also receive afternoon rains in a few places from Friday.
There is also a chance of light rains in a few places from Monday night at the Coast and in Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Turkana and Samburu counties.
Earlier, in a monthly forecast for October, Gikungu said most parts of Kenya will receive the short rains from the fourth week of October or early November.
“In some parts of the country, October usually marks the start of rain. However, as previously predicted, the onsets are likely to be delayed and marked by intermittent dry spells, particularly in the country's eastern sector,” he said.
He said the October forecast indicates that the highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria basin, and the southern and central Rift Valley are likely to experience near to above-average rainfall.
Near to below average rainfall is likely over the northwest and the highlands East of the Rift Valley, the south-eastern lowlands.
The Coast and north-eastern Kenya are likely to receive below-average rainfall, where sunny and dry conditions are likely to dominate.
He said Kenya is currently going through a La Nina because the equatorial sea surface temperatures are lower than average across the Pacific Ocean.
“This phenomenon is also linked to below-average rainfall in Kenya,” he said.
“The rainfall in October 2022 is expected to be unevenly distributed across the country, both in time and space.”
Gikungu said the ongoing drought will worsen.
“It is recommended that the government and humanitarian organisations step up the measures that are already in place to prevent the loss of lives, livelihoods, and livestock,” he said.
The Met director urged community leaders to promote resource sharing as well as peace in their respective communities.
According to the National Drought Management Authority, 4.35 million Kenyans are relying on relief food daily.
The drought has affected 23 counties.
Last week, leaders from the North Eastern leaders asked President William Ruto to declare the ongoing drought a national disaster for the affected counties to get more aid.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris