Met warns of poor rains in Kiambu environs from October
By KNA, September 29, 2022The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that Kiambu county is expected to receive depressed rainfall for the months of October, November and December season.
The seasonal rains are expected to start between the fourth week of October, and the first week of November and end by the third to fourth week of December
Magdalene Gateri (pictured), the county Director of Meteorological Services yesterday said 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 said.
In view of the forecast, Gateri said various sectors are likely to be impacted, however, with adequate preparations, the county can employ mitigating mechanisms to avoid loss.
Smart technologies
Some of the mitigation measures, Gateri 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 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. County should work in collaboration with KFS and Kefri to get advice on the right trees to plant,” she said. In the energy sector, Gateri 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.
– KNA