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Weatherman predicts enhanced long rains across various regions

Motorcycle riders wade through a waterlogged street after heavy rains in Mombasa, Kenya, on November 3, 2023. (Photo: Simon Maina/ AFP)

By Mary Wambui | 01 Mar 2024

The peak of the rainfall will be felt in April for most regions except over the coastal region where it shall peak in May.

The meteorological department has predicted above-average rainfall in many parts of the country for the period between March and May this year as the long rain season sets in.

In a statement, the Director of Meteorological Services David Gikungu said the onset of the long rains is expected to kick off early with occasional dry spells and storms in some parts of the country.

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The peak of the rainfall will be felt in April for most regions except over the coastal region where it shall peak in May.

The forecasted enhanced rainfall shall however bear both negative and positive impacts across various sectors even as the temperatures remain warm during the entire season.

According to the forecast, the Lake Victoria basin, Central and South Rift Valley that includes the counties of Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Transzoia, Vihiga, Laikipia West, Nakuru, and Narok will receive enhanced rainfall throughout the season.

Northwestern regions of Turkana and Samburu Counties will experience occasional rainfall during the season but its distribution is likely to be poor to fair both in time and space.

The highlands East of Rift Valley including Nairobi County, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Eastern parts of Laikipia will receive fair rainfall both in time and space.

“Rainfall amounts in these counties are expected to be above the season’s long-term average,” Dr Gikungu adds.

The Southeastern Lowland counties of Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta are likely to have poor to fair rainfall distribution both in time and space.

The Northeastern Counties of Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, and parts of Tana River will also receive poor to fair rainfall distribution as the Coastal strip of Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale counties experience a fair amount during the season.