Kenya Met Issues A New Update On El Nino

The Kenya Meteorological Department asserts that the country will still experience high levels of rainfall this week a day after President William Ruto revealed that the country will not experience El Nino rains as predicted by the department.

On Monday 23^rd October, In an update, the Kenya Met stated that rainfall is expected to continue over several parts of the country, with the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and North-eastern Kenya likely to experience isolated storms.

“High average daytime (maximum) temperatures of more than 30 degrees Celsius are expected over several parts of the country including the Coast, North-eastern and North-western Kenya,” read the statement in part.

“A few areas in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the South-eastern lowlands and the Rift Valley will experience low average night-time (minimum) temperatures of less than 10 degrees Celsius.”

In an earlier projection, the Kenya Meteorological Department had indicated that Kenya would experience El Nino between October and December. In some regions like Western Kenya and parts of Rift Valley, the Department had indicated that El Nino effects would extend to January 2024.

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On October 22^nd, President William Ruto said that the country would not experience El Nino rains as the Kenya Meteorological Department had predicted. Speaking in Dagoretti South during a church service, Ruto said the department had scaled down the El Niño to heavy rains.

“There was news that El Niño was coming, which would be destructive but God is great. They have now said El Niño will not be there but just heavy rains which will not be destructive. We thank God,” he said.

“We heard reports that the country will experience El Nino rains, which have the potential to destroy property. But God has been faithful,” the President stated.

The president said the government is planning to take advantage of the expected rains to increase food production.

“We will provide inputs to farmers again so that we can have another harvest in January next year,” he said

In response to the forecast, counties were undertaking proactive measures for disaster preparedness, given the previous devastation.

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Some of the regions that were expected to be significantly affected included Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Vihiga, Laikipia, Nakuru, and Narok.

Last week, Kenya Met confirmed that there were isolated thunderstorms in Meru, Kitui, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Marsabit, Meru, Kwale, Wajir, Tharaka Nithi, West Pokot, Embu, Trans Nzoia, Kiambu, and Isiolo.

“When we compare the amount of rain from October 9 to 15, 2023, to the rain from October 16 to 22, 2023, we can see that there was more rain in the later period. The highest seven-day rainfall total (205.8mm) was recorded at the rainfall station at Gurar Police Station in Wajir County.” Read the report.

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