The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning to Kenyan residents to prepare for an extended period of November short rains, which are expected to persist until January 2024.
Over the next three months, numerous regions in the country will experience rainfall levels above the typical average, accompanied by occasional storms. These areas include the Highlands West of the Rift Valley/Lake Victoria Basin, Northeastern region, Central and Southern Rift Valley, Highlands East of the Rift Valley, Southeastern areas, and Coastal Counties.
The heightened rainfall is attributed to current El Niño-like conditions and the Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
Mr. David Kungu, the director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, stated that the country can anticipate rainfall levels exceeding the long-term average, evenly distributed throughout the season, with the exception of the North Eastern Counties of Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, and the North Western Counties of Turkana and Samburu. These areas are expected to experience fair to poor rainfall distribution throughout the season.
Mr. Kungu has also issued an advisory, urging residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground. Additionally, he cautioned that landslides are likely to occur in parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Central and South Rift Valley, as well as certain South Eastern lowlands. Presently, several counties in Kenya are already feeling the impact of heavy rains.
In Iresaboru, around 600 families have been affected by the overflowing banks of River Ewaso Nyiro, with 540 families already displaced. In Nairobi, dozens of families in Makadara, Starehe, and Embakasi South Sub Counties were displaced following the overflowing of rivers Ngong and Kibera due to heavy rains on Saturday. As a result of the rains, Mandera Senator Ali Roba and Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif have reported that over 16,000 households are in need of food and other essential supplies.
Tragically, three individuals, including an elderly woman and two students who had recently completed their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education, lost their lives in Elwak in Mandera South.
Yesterday, the Council of Governors (COG) announced the implementation of comprehensive plans to safeguard lives and property. Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njoki, who chairs the Health Committee at the COG, disclosed that the council has established a call center to coordinate emergency response.
