The seasonal climate forecast for the months of October, November and December will see below normal levels of rainfall over most parts of Kiambu County, Meteorological service Director has warned.
The seasonal rains are expected to start between the fourth week of October, 2022 and the first week of November, 2022 and end by the third to fourth week of December, 2022.
Magdalene Gateri, the Kiambu County Director of Meteorological Services told KNA that that in the coming months, there will be depressed levels and poorly distributed rains around the county.
“Most parts of the county should expect to experience some rainfall during the season even though amounts are expected to be lower than the season’s long term average,” she confirmed.
In view of the forecast, Gateri said various sectors are likely to be impacted in a few ways but with adequate preparations, the County can employ mitigating mechanisms to avoid loss.
Some of the mitigation measures, the Country Director noted include, utilising climate smart technologies such as conservation agriculture and on-farm rain water harvesting while livestock farmers should temporarily close their activities around water sources and prepare silage and storage resources.
She further called on quarry operators to properly fence and temporarily stop the quarry activities while farmers should stop farming on riparian lands to avoid any soil erosion.
“Adopt soil conservation practices such as mulching, and contour farming especially on sloppy areas. The County should work in collaboration with KFS and KEFRI to get advice on the right trees to plant,” she said.
In the energy sector, the Country Director advised residents to have power backups since the hydro power stations will also be affected by the low rainfall.
The expected seasonal rainfall that will be below normal (depressed) may lead to reduced recharge of our rivers hence low flows. This will therefore lead to a reduced amount of water that will be available for abstraction.
According to Gateri, health risks may arise due to the lowered water levels because less water may take long to dilute the harmful effluents from industries and households and thus water related diseases such as malaria are likely to emerge due to rise in breeding of mosquitoes.
“Diseases such as malaria and respiratory tract related diseases are expected to be on the rise and the health sector should stock up on mosquito nets and malaria drugs as well as water treatment chemicals to be available to the public,” Gateri said.
The transport and public safety sector, she advised, should ensure that the roads are repaired, the drainage systems cleared while pedestrians should be cautious due to the poor visibility caused by foggy conditions in some areas.
According to the Kiambu long term rainfall distribution for October – December “Short Rains”, Kikuyu will receive a minimum of less than 230mm of rain; Limuru, Juja Ruiru,
Githunguri , and Kiambaa including Kiambu town will receive between 231 and 330 mm and parts of Gatundu North and South will receive 331-380 mm.
By Cedric Karungaru
