Kiambu County to receive above normal rainfall

Kiambu,

Thursday, September 14, 2023

KNA Melodie Mumbi/ Wangari Ndirangu

Kiambu County will in the next three months receive above normal rainfall that will be distributed in both time and space peaking in the month of November.

The October-November-December (OND) seasonal rains are also expected to have an early onset starting between first to second weeks of October 2023 and is likely to continue into January 2024.

According to Kiambu County Director of Meteorology Magdalene Gateri, occasional storms are likely to occur over several parts of the County during that period.

Speaking to KNA, the Met expert explained that during the whole month of September, the county will experience occasional rainfall as it has been seen in the early morning cloudy conditions at the beginning of the month.

“The County has four broad topographical zones: Upper Highlands found in Lari constituency and it is an extension of the Aberdare ranges that lies at an altitude of 1,800 - 2,550 metres above sea level. It is very wet, steep and important as a water catchment area; Lower Highlands zone lies between 1,500 - 1,800 metres above sea level covering Limuru and parts of Gatundu North and Gatundu South, Githunguri and Kabete constituencies, characterized by hills and high elevation plains (plateaus),” she said.

These particular Zones, Gateri explained, have a High rainfall regime characterized by tea and dairy farming, maize and horticulture farming and also pineapples in Thika constituency.

The upper midland zone that lies between 1,300 - 1,500 metres above sea level covers most parts of Juja while the lower midland zone that lies between 1,200 - 1,360 metres above sea level partly covers Thika town, areas of Gatuanyaga, Limuru with physical features like steep slopes and valleys and Kikuyu constituencies.

Gateri confirmed that a warmer than average Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) over the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean suggests the presence of El Nino conditions which were likely to persist throughout the season.

There may be potential impacts on the expected above average rainfall which Gateri said may cause both positive and negative impacts and thus residents are advised to take maximum precautions and preparedness.

“The county can benefit from positive impacts while avoiding the negative ones,” she said noting that the rainfall would see enhanced agricultural productions hence lowering food prices and improve nutrition, while livestock production was expected to increase due to availability of foliage and also there would be improved water availability for future crops irrigation.

However, she explained that the rainfall could see manifestation of crops and livestock pests and diseases, soil erosion, water logging leading to land degradation, excess moisture during crops maturity that may lead to harvest losses and contamination and increased cost of weeds control.

She advised farmers to ensure early land preparation and planting of fodder, using adequate manure fertilizer and to liaise with agriculture and Livestock Extension Officers for advice on the appropriate variety and type of crops to plant.

Concerning the environment and natural resources, Gateri said there would be improved vegetation cover, increased forest biodiversity and also job opportunities for tree nurseries establishments

She however warned of increased landslides and mudslides that may lead to soil degradation, tree and nursery damage, sedimentation of water bodies and breeding ground for mosquitoes.

“Kiambu residents are being advised to protect and rehabilitate water catchment areas by planting trees, sustainable exploitation and fencing, protect riparian corridor by planting vetiver grass, bamboo and indigenous trees and also adopting soil conservation practices such as mulching and contour farming,” Gateri said.

She further called upon the county to repair and improve drainage systems while the residents enhance water harvesting from the slightest pour to be used during dry spells and also ensure water treatment.

Water related diseases such as malaria may increase due to breeding of mosquito and other vectors in the flooded area, while cholera is also likely to increase as a result of contamination of drinking water by floods.

The Met Director therefore called for stocking of malaria drugs in health facilities such as malaria testing reagents and provision of mosquito nets.

“The Ministry of Health and Public Health officers should ensure sensitization on water treatment, education on disease prevention as well as sensitization for Water and Sanitation for Health (WASH) be carried out,” she noted.

The County Government should procure and supply drugs for human treatment as well as water treatment chemicals before the onset of rainfall. Bushes should be cleared to check breeding of mosquitoes and other harmful insects and the county should also establish mental health support systems for residents affected by floods, Gateri advised.

On August 30, 2023 the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning about the likelihood of El Niño rainfall occurring in the country between October and December 2023.

The Director General of the Department Dr. David Gikungu said during this period, the country will experience heightened rainfall, with potential for flooding and landslides in certain regions of the country.

IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has also announced that the October to December 2023 climate forecast shows high chances of wetter-than-usual conditions across most parts of the Greater Horn of Africa. 

ICPAC Director Dr. Guleid Artan said, "We have now entered El Niño conditions which, for Eastern Africa, are synonymous with wetter conditions during OND. After three years of devastating drought, this may be seen as a blessing for farmers. Still, it can quickly become a curse.

Courtesy; KNA