Kiambu County Braces for Four Days of Increased RainfallNamibian Police Aim for Crime-Free Oshana Region, Says Inspector-General Shikongo

Kiambu County, Kenya – The Meteorological Department of Kiambu County has forecasted a significant increase in rainfall spanning the next four days. This weather pattern is expected to impact various areas of the county with isolated heavy rains.

According to Kenya News Agency, the weekly forecast, valid from January 2nd to January 8th, 2024, anticipates that Friday through Monday will see the bulk of this increased rainfall. During this period, occasional cloudiness with heavy rainfall is particularly expected over the weekend. Areas such as Kiamworia, Kigajo ward in Gatundu South, the Kagwe area, and Githunguri areas are already experiencing heavy rains.

The Director has urged residents to prepare for this change in weather by harvesting rainwater, making the most of the increased rainfall. This advice comes in the wake of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s weather outlook for January 2024, which predicts that Highlands East of the Rift Valley and Central Kenya, including Kiambu, will likely experience occasional rainfall with some breaks throughout the month. The expected rainfall levels are projected to be near or above the long-term average amounts typically received during this month in previous years.

Kiambu County, notably, was one of the regions affected by landslides and mudslides during the October-November-December Seasonal Rainfall. These natural disasters led to the destruction of several houses in Site village and the tragic deaths of two people in Riara village, whose house was buried in a mudslide.

Bernard Chanzu, speaking on behalf of the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, outlined the potential impacts of this month’s weather on agriculture, food security, water resources, and environmental sectors. He mentioned that the sunny and dry conditions expected in the next three months would be conducive for crop harvesting and land preparation for the upcoming planting season. In light of these conditions, the public is advised to seek guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

Chanzu further emphasized the importance of rainwater harvesting and storage practices, especially considering the expected rains at the beginning of January in the southern half of the country, which will aid in sustaining water availability. He also highlighted the positive impact of increased rainfall on hydropower reservoirs, which is anticipated to boost hydropower generation and contribute to groundwater recharge for geothermal power production. However, he warned that water availability for human and livestock use is expected to decline, particularly in the ASAL areas, due to the impending dry weather conditions.

This forecast follows a recent statement by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Center (ICPAC), indicating that the greater part of the Horn of Africa is expected to receive heavy rains between January and March 2024, following the recent El Nino rains.

OSHAKATI, Namibia – The Inspector-General of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol), Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, has expressed a firm commitment to making the Oshana Region entirely free of crime, with an aim to close all open investigations.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), During a community address in Oshakati on Wednesday, Shikongo outlined his vision for a safe and secure region. The inspector-general is currently on a working visit in the area from Wednesday to Friday, engaging with community members, the local business sector, and NamPol staff.

Shikongo emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, highlighting the role of police officers in protecting both local residents and foreign visitors. He stressed the necessity of ensuring the region’s safety and the elimination of crime. “If the community is not doing anything to fight crime, it becomes difficult for the police to do so. Let us join hands and work together to combat crime in unity,” Shikongo stated.

Oshana Regional Commander Naftal Lungameni Sakaria echoed this sentiment, noting that achieving the vision of a crime-free region requires the combined efforts of all stakeholders. According to Sakaria, significant progress has been made in reducing crime in the region through the ‘boots on the ground’ initiative. He cited the reduction of robberies following bank withdrawals and a decrease in housebreaking incidents as examples of their success.

However, Sakaria acknowledged ongoing challenges, including issues with mobility, lengthy procurement processes, a lack of manpower due to an aging police force, and insufficient police facilities leading to congestion at existing stations and overcrowded police cells.

Despite these hurdles, the determination to transform Oshana into a region without crime remains a top priority for NamPol, as indicated by the concerted efforts and strategies discussed during the inspector-general’s visit.