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Nineteen agricultural counties would get above normal rainfall. Seventeen counties could face lightning strikes and flooding. In addition, diseases such as malaria were likely to emerge around Lake Victoria and the coastal region.
Kenya Meteorological Department expects 37 counties to get near normal or above normal rainfall. The remaining 10 counties could receive below normal rainfall. The department gave the March forecast on 26 February.
The following counties will have rainfall ranging from near normal to above normal. They are Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia.
Other counties are Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Nairobi.
In addition, eight counties in north western and south eastern lowlands will get between near and above normal rainfall. These counties are Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Kajiado, Kitui, Makueni, Machakos and Taita Taveta.
But 10 counties could get below normal rainfall.
Kenya Meteorological Department said that north eastern Kenya and the Coastal Strip regions were likely to receive below normal rainfall. These counties are Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale.
READ – March to May rainfall: Agricultural areas to get above normal rain
What effect will the rainfall have on people?
The department’s Weather Outlook for March 2021 shows the rainfall’s impact on agriculture, disaster management, environment and health.
Agriculture
Nineteen agricultural counties will get above normal rainfall.
These counties are Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet and West Pokot. Other counties are Nandi, Laikipia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Nakuru and Laikipia.
The weather department advises farmers look for guidance from Agriculture ministry as they prepare to plant.
Disaster management
The expected rainfall towards the end of March in 17 counties could result in lightning strikes and flooding in areas prone to flooding.
The counties are Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Nandi, Laikipia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia.
Further, landslides or mudslides could occur on the hilly areas of counties which lie east and west of Rift Valley.
They are Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Nandi, Laikipia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kiambu, Nyandarua and Nairobi.
Water resources management, energy
The weather department expects no negative effect on major river catchment areas in the country’s hydroelectric power generating dams.
The department said it supported water harvesting.
Environment, health
Expected dry conditions at the beginning of the month (March) may result in dry land and vegetation cover. This may increase the occurrence of wildfires in forests, parks and game reserves.
The department said vector-borne diseases such as malaria were likely to emerge near Lake Victoria Basin and Coastal Strip.
It said water borne diseases were likely in flooded areas and areas expected to receive below normal rainfall.
