• Kenya Meteorological Department urges farmers to complete harvesting and drying within three weeks before El Nino rains begin pounding much of the country in October.

Farmers Have Three Weeks to Harvest and Dry Crops Before El Nino Rains, Weatherman Warns

Farmers have about three weeks to complete harvesting, dry their crops and prepare their farms before the El Nino rains begin in most places, the weatherman has said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department said September would generally remain sunny and dry across much of Kenya.

The dry weather offers farmers an important window to finish harvesting and dry their produce properly before the October-November-December rainy season begins.

The warning is especially important for farmers who still have maize and other crops in the fields. They have been advised not to wait any longer.

“Farmers should take advantage of dry weather to harvest mature crops and undertake timely drying and safe storage to minimise post-harvest losses,” said Paul Oloo, an assistant director of the department.

“In areas where crops remain in the field, farmers should conserve soil moisture through mulching and other appropriate practices and irrigate where possible.”

He said the coming rains could be widespread from October, with some areas likely to receive above-average rainfall.

“September marks the transition towards the October-November-December rainfall season. Farmers should use the month to prepare land, repair water-harvesting structures, clear drainage channels, acquire certified seed and other farm inputs and plan planting activities,” he said.

The department expects some rains, but below-average, within September, in Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Siaya, Vihiga, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kericho, Nyamira, Kisii, Bomet, Migori and Homa Bay counties.

In the Central Highlands, eastern Kenya and parts of the southeastern lowlands, the September weather is expected to be generally sunny and dry, with occasional rainfall.

Farmers in counties such as Kiambu, Nairobi, Kirinyaga, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nyeri, Murang’a, Makueni, Machakos, Kitui and Kajiado were also urged to prepare their farms for the October rains.

The department warned that September’s warm conditions could increase the amount of water crops and animals need.

Farmers keeping livestock should therefore store fodder and make sure animals have enough drinking water. In dry areas, they were advised to avoid keeping too many animals on limited pasture.

The El Nino-fuelled rains will begin early October in most parts of Kenya and will be heavier than normal, according to the department.

Separately, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said the government had put in place measures to respond to emergencies that may arise during the rainy season.

“I want to assure Kenyans that the government has plans to handle the rains,” Ruku said.

He called on county governments to take early measures to prevent flooding, particularly in urban areas where blocked drainage systems could worsen the impact of heavy rains.

“We are calling upon all county governments, especially in urban areas, to ensure drainage is cleared early,” he said.

Ruku warned against dumping garbage in drainage channels, saying blocked drains could contribute to flooding when heavy rains begin.

“Garbage should not be in the drains,” he said.

The CS singled out Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru among the urban centres that should take early action to minimise the effects of the rains.

Ruku said the government had held consultations and developed measures aimed at mitigating the effects of the expected weather conditions.

“As a government, we have sat down, and we have come up with measures to mitigate the effects of El Nino. We are ready as government,” he said.

The assurance comes amid growing concern over the potential impact of above-normal rainfall, particularly in areas that have previously experienced flooding and other disasters during heavy rains.

Speaking separately, Kenya Red Cross Society secretary general Dr Ahmed Idris urged communities, national government agencies and county governments to take precautionary measures before the rains intensify.

Idris said the anticipated heavy rainfall could trigger flooding, displacement, landslides, building collapses and disease outbreaks in different parts of the country.

He said preparations should focus on preventing loss of life while ensuring that families displaced by flooding or other disasters receive essential assistance.

“No lives should be lost,” Idris said.

Speaking to Citizen TV, the Kenya Red Cross chief called for coordinated action among all stakeholders to ensure communities at risk receive early warnings and assistance.

He said the Kenya Red Cross was working with national and county governments, as well as other partners, to prepare for potential emergencies and strengthen response mechanisms.

Idris said communities should not wait until disasters occur before taking action, urging residents to heed early warnings and move to safer areas when advised to do so.

The expected rains are also likely to increase water levels in rivers, lakes and other water bodies, while saturating the ground in areas receiving heavy rainfall.

This could increase the risk of rivers bursting their banks, particularly threatening communities living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas.

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