Lifestyle

List Of Counties To Experience Floods Soon

BY Getrude Mathayo · March 9, 2025 09:03 am

As Kenya braces for upcoming adverse weather conditions, the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has outlined a series of proactive measures aimed at mitigating disasters and ensuring the nation is well-prepared for changing climate patterns.

These measures are designed to equip both government agencies and local communities with timely and accurate weather forecasts, allowing for strategic planning and response to potential risks.

Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Principal Meteorologist and Climate Scientist Joyce Kimutai elaborated on the meticulous process the department follows to keep counties informed about weather patterns. She explained that the institution begins by generating detailed meteorological forecasts based on scientific climate analysis and past weather trends.

Once these forecasts are ready, they are disseminated to individual counties for further examination and planning. To enhance preparedness, the department organizes participatory workshops involving multiple stakeholders, especially those in weather-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, water management, and disaster response.

These workshops facilitate discussions and enable local decision-makers to generate relevant information that can guide preparations for the anticipated weather changes.

During the interview, Kimutai provided insight into how meteorologists analyze Kenya’s climate to establish normal rainfall levels in different regions. She noted that long-term climate data allows experts to determine the standard rainfall expectations for a given area, helping them forecast whether upcoming rainfall will be above or below average.

“We’ve looked at the climate of the area. The climate tells you what the normal rainfall is for this region. You’ve looked at this region for a long time and you’ve established the quantities and the values that are considered as normal millimeters,” Kimutai explained.

As Kenya transitions into the long rains season, Kenya Met predict that rainfall will commence in about two weeks.

The first regions expected to receive rain include Nairobi, Kiambu, Embu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi. Similarly, the southeastern lowlands, comprising Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, are also expected to experience precipitation within the same timeframe.

Other counties set to receive rainfall around this period include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, and Nyamira, alongside various regions in the Rift Valley and Western Kenya. However, not all rainfall will be evenly distributed, and some areas may experience more extreme weather conditions than others.

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department’s forecasts, certain regions such as Kisumu, Busia, and Tana River counties are likely to experience flooding during the March, April, and May short rains period.

These areas are prone to flooding due to their geographical location and historical weather patterns, making it crucial for authorities and residents to prepare accordingly.

Kimutai emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and early warning systems to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events. “For example, in the lake region, if the normal is 120 millimeters, the above-normal rainfall can reach 200 or even 300 millimeters,” she explained.

She further clarified that when meteorologists predict an “above-normal” rainfall season, they mean that for most of the season, the distribution of rainfall across both space and time will exceed historical averages.

Kenya has been experiencing unusually high temperatures over the past two months. On Tuesday, March 4, the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, Dr. David Gikungu, addressed concerns regarding the recent heatwave.

Since December, temperatures have soared to highs of 32°C in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi and Kiambu, while some areas have recorded temperatures exceeding 36°C.