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Dry spell: Brace for delayed and depressed rainfall as experts warn
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning that the long rainy season in the country, which typically runs from March to May, will have a delayed onset and experience depressed rainfall. This comes as the country grapples with drought conditions that have left over four million Kenyans facing starvation after five consecutive failed rainfall seasons.
Experts attending the 6th National Climate Outlook Forum have called for farmers to consider planting fast-maturing crops to mitigate the effects of the severe drought.
However, the expected depressed rainfall could pave the way for the return of El Nino after a sustained period of La Nina, which has contributed to the persistent drought in the Greater Horn of Africa.
“The analysis we have done does not promise a lot of rainfall. There may be some delays, and we may have long periods where no rain is recorded. In the long term, we will see a situation where some places will get less than average rain,” said Dr. David Gikungu, Kenya Meteorological Service Director.
According to the forecast, only three areas, parts of Marsabit, Kajiado, and eastern parts of Narok, will register normal rainfall for this period.
The regions in the country’s breadbasket, including Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, the larger parts of western Kenya, will receive depressed rains, while the rest of the counties, including Nairobi, will receive highly depressed rains that will last until June.
Dr. Gikungu urged Kenyans to prepare for the start of the rainfall season by purchasing large water tanks to harvest rainwater. “The projected low rainfall combined with above-average temperatures may have a negative impact on pasture regeneration, particularly in ASAL areas. Thus, recovery from the effects of the current drought is unlikely in most areas. Consequently, the existing pasture and browse scarcity as well as poor animal body condition might persist,” he warned.
Masini Ichwara, Director of Planning in the Ministry of Energy, has pointed out that diversification of energy sources in the country and an increase in the generation of power from geothermal resources and other green energy sources, including wind and solar, will boost power production and ensure cost-effective power supply.
The warning from the Kenya Meteorological Department raises concerns over food security and water supply in the country. With the expected depressed rainfall, farmers and pastoralists in the country may have to prepare for yet another tough season.
As Dr. Gikungu noted, “We have to start thinking of the worst and start adapting to it. This can only happen if we increase investment in disaster risk reduction measures.”
The long rainy season, usually between March and May, is critical for the country’s food security, and the delay and depressed rainfall could have dire consequences for the country’s economy.
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