Residents of 22 counties in western Kenya and much of the Rift Valley should expect continued rainfall through October, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department.
Dr. David Gikungu, head of the department, forecasted on Thursday that these regions will experience occasional rains, with precipitation levels likely to be slightly above average during August, September, and October.
The affected areas include the Highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central and South Rift Valley, Nyandarua, and western parts of Laikipia. The counties involved are Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Baringo, Laikipia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, and Nyandarua.
In contrast, Samburu and Turkana counties are expected to remain mostly dry through October, though occasional rainfall may occur along the Uganda and South Sudan borders, with amounts potentially exceeding typical levels.
Counties including Nairobi, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Taita Taveta, and parts of Kajiado are forecasted to experience cool, cloudy conditions with occasional rain in August, possibly extending into early September. There may be additional rainfall, particularly in the latter half of October, close to long-term averages.
The coastal regions (Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale) are expected to remain dry, with only occasional rainfall approaching or slightly below long-term averages.
Northeastern Kenya (Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo) will likely stay sunny and dry for most of the forecast period, with a slight chance of rainfall toward the end of October, although it is expected to be below average.
Temperatures across much of the country are anticipated to be warmer than usual, except in parts of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet, where temperatures will be closer to long-term averages. The Central and Eastern regions are expected to see higher than average temperatures.
The ongoing rains in western Kenya could benefit agricultural activities, though potential hailstorms may pose risks to crops. The recent favorable rainfall has helped lower food prices, with a notable decline in the cost of most cereals, except beans.
The National Food and Nutrition Security report indicates that food prices have generally decreased since January, improving food access and availability. Increased local crop production and the release of previously held stock have contributed to the drop in prices.
However, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reports a slight increase in the Consumer Price Index for May 2024, which tracks changes in food prices, rising to 5.1 percent from April’s 5 percent.
