Nyeri – The County Director of Meteorological Services in Nyeri, Mr. John Muiruri, has informed residents of an expected decrease in the ongoing short rains this month. This news comes amid ongoing recovery efforts in several parts of the country from devastating floods that have claimed at least 140 lives and displaced nearly 190,000 people.
According to Kenya News Agency, earlier predictions had indicated heavy rainfall in the county, with certain areas like Kieni East expected to receive up to 600 mm of rain, while Othaya, Mukurwe-ini, and Nyeri Central were projected to receive between 500 to 600 mm. In contrast, areas such as Mathira and Mugunda ward in Kieni West were forecasted to receive less than 300 mm. He had emphasized the importance of preparedness for potential storm waters, floods, and landslides.
However, the situation is now changing, with rainfall expected to decrease at the start of the new year. “The ongoing rains are characterized by flash downpours which subsidize immediately afterward. We have gone through the peak and now we are on the receding graph in December. By January we expect the rains to come to an end,” Muiruri reported to KNA. The latest weather report for December predicts occasional morning rains in most parts of Nyeri, with afternoon and night showers likely to occur sporadically.
Despite the reduced rainfall, Muiruri noted that farmers in Nyeri are poised to benefit from good harvests, as the county has experienced minimal destruction from the floods compared to other regions. He also dismissed rumors that the rains would extend to April, calling such reports unfounded.
A Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) report dated August 30, 2023, had indicated an enhanced rainfall forecast for the entire country during the October-November-December period. Nyeri was among the counties expected to experience heavy rains throughout this cycle. Fortunately, the county avoided the massive floods and destruction seen in other areas, partly due to moderate rainfall and its favorable topography, which facilitated efficient drainage of excess runoff.
“Farmers in Nyeri are lucky since these rains have not been destructive as they have not been continuous. As a department, we have not received reports of any major destruction from the rains over the past two months,” Muiruri added. In contrast, counties like Tana River, Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir have been severely impacted, with many families isolated due to destroyed roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure.