Kenya's October-December rainy season is gathering momentum, with meteorological authorities warning that wetter-than-normal conditions could bring flooding, waterlogging and landslides to parts of the country.
Rains have already begun in several counties across western Kenya, the Rift Valley and the Coast and are expected to spread into central and eastern parts of the country.
Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang'a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui and Makueni are among areas expected to experience the onset of rains over the coming weeks.
The Coast and parts of northeastern Kenya could receive particularly heavy rainfall.
Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Mandera and parts of Taita Taveta, Tana River, Garissa and Wajir are among areas expected to experience above-average rainfall.
The wetter conditions could provide significant benefits to farmers.
Improved soil moisture is expected to support planting, regenerate pasture and increase water availability for livestock.
But heavy rainfall also creates substantial risks.
Low-lying communities could experience flooding, while saturated soils in steep areas could increase the danger of landslides.
Waterlogging could damage crops and make it difficult for farmers to transport produce.
Health authorities are also warning families to take precautions against waterborne diseases.
Flooding can contaminate drinking-water supplies and increase the risk of diseases including cholera and typhoid.
Parents have been urged to keep children away from floodwater and ensure households have access to safe drinking water.
Authorities say preparedness measures are being activated across the country.
The coming weeks will be particularly important for Nairobi and other urban centres where blocked drainage, construction on waterways and inadequate storm-water infrastructure frequently worsen flooding.
Meteorologists have also cautioned that El Niño is not the only factor determining rainfall.
The Indian Ocean Dipole and other climate systems also influence Kenya's seasonal weather.
Residents are therefore being encouraged to follow county-specific forecasts rather than relying solely on broad national predictions.
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Category: News
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