The Kenya Meteorological Department has alerted residents across the country to prepare for the onset of the long rains, expected to begin in the second week of March.
The agency noted that rainfall is likely to vary in timing, intensity, and distribution across different regions.
For Central Kenya, the rains are projected to start between the second and third weeks of March. Counties in this zone include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi.
In the South Eastern lowlands, which cover Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, rainfall is expected to commence between the third and fourth weeks of March.
Coastal counties such as Lamu, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale may receive rains from the first to the third week of April.
Meanwhile, the northern counties of Mandera, Turkana, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Samburu are likely to see showers starting in the final week of March.
The Rift Valley and Lake Victoria Basin are already anticipating the long rains, with precipitation expected to intensify from mid-February through May.
Counties in these regions include Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.
Farmers have been advised to prepare their land this month.
“Preparing farms in February ensures that the holes are well-exposed to current sunshine, which aids in destroying harmful microbes,” the department emphasized.
Currently, much of the country is experiencing dry, sunny conditions with chilly nights and high daytime temperatures.
January and February are typically the hottest and driest months in Kenya, with occasional showers limited to parts of Central Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin.
These ongoing dry conditions have worsened water and pasture shortages for livestock-keeping communities, particularly in the northern counties.
The meteorological department has also warned that wildfires are on the rise and urged the public to avoid activities that could ignite fires in forests and game reserves
