Weatherman warns of food, electricity price hikes due to varied rainfall distribution
The Kenya Meteorological Department warned of possible food and electricity price increases due to varied rainfall distribution across the country.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has released its forecast for the March-April-May long rains, warning of possible food and electricity price increases due to varied rainfall distribution across the country.
The weatherman projected that while some regions will receive near to above-average rainfall, others will experience below-average rainfall, affecting food production and hydroelectricity generation.
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"The national consolidated forecast indicates near to above-average rains in the Lake Basin, parts of the southeastern lowlands, and the extreme northwest," Kenya Met stated.
"Parts of the northwest, north and central Rift, and the highlands east of the Rift Valley indicate near to below-average rainfall. The rest of the country is expected to receive below-normal rainfall."
Regions expected to receive rainfall
The weatherman listed counties such as Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Eastern Laikipia, and Nairobi as areas that will receive rainfall, though with occasional dry spells.
These regions, which are key food producers, may witness reduced food production, leading to higher food prices.
In the Lake Victoria Basin, South Rift Valley, and parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley including Homa Bay, Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Narok, Bomet, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Nandi, Kakamega, and Vihiga the long rains are expected to continue from February into the season, with a near to above-average rainfall amount.
The rains in these areas will extend until June.
Meanwhile, counties in the Central and North Rift Valley such as Nakuru, Baringo, Western Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and southern West Pokot will experience intermittent rains starting in February, followed by a dry spell.
Consistent rains are expected from late March to early April, lasting until June, though rainfall amounts may be near to below the long-term average.
In Turkana, Samburu, and North West Pokot, rainfall is expected to be near to below the season's long-term average, with showers beginning between the first and second weeks of April.
Some parts of these counties may receive occasional rainfall in March.
The southeastern lowlands including Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Tana River, and Taita-Taveta will experience rainfall starting in late March or early April, though Kenya Met forecasts some showers in February followed by a dry spell.
The rains in this region are expected to cease between the third and fourth weeks of May.
Along the coast, rainfall patterns will vary.
The North Coast covering Lamu, coastal parts of Tana River, and northern Kilifi will see rainfall from mid-April.
The South Coast including Mombasa, Kwale, and southern Kilifi will receive rain from late March or early April, with precipitation expected to continue until June.
Food, electricity concerns
Kenya Met warned that lower rainfall in key agricultural regions could lead to food shortages, pushing prices higher.
Additionally, reduced hydroelectric power generation could result in increased electricity costs.
As a precaution, the weatherman urged the government to prepare for food imports and implement a relief program for counties already struggling due to failed rains between October and December 2024.
"Destock livestock before livestock health deteriorates and have cash transfers to cushion vulnerable groups," Kenya Met advised.
In areas expected to receive above-average rainfall, the department highlighted risks such as flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage, displacement, disease outbreaks, and increased cases of gender-based violence.
It recommended early warning systems, mapping of high-risk areas, school feeding programs, and strengthened coordination among government agencies and stakeholders.
For regions facing below-average rainfall, potential effects include food insecurity, malnutrition, school dropouts, wildfires, and conflicts over resources.
To address this, Kenya Met proposed mapping drought-prone areas, implementing drought-risk assessments, and enhancing school meal programs.
The department called for a collaborative effort among government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of unpredictable weather patterns.
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