Kitui County Meteorological Services Authority Director, Daniel Mbithi / Musembi Nzengu.Kitui County is expected to experience enhanced rainfall during the forthcoming October-November-December season, with the El Niño-associated downfall predicted to begin between October 15 and 31.
Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Daniel Mbithi said the rainfall is expected to last for 90 days.
“The October to December rain season is expected to be above normal; that is, enhanced rainfall with good distribution in time and space,” Mbithi said in an advisory.
The forecast shows Kitui could receive as much as 600mm of rainfall, while the least rainfall expected in the county is about 300mm. The rains are also projected to extend into January 2027.
Farmers have been urged to prepare for the onset of the rains and plant their crops at the most appropriate time to take advantage of the enhanced and favourable rainfall conditions.
“For those wishing to dry plant, it is advisable to plant in the first week of the forecasted onset dates. For those wishing to wet plant, it is advisable to wait for the weekly weather update, which is more accurate,” the advisory said.
Farmers have further been encouraged to make the most of the projected enhanced rainfall by selecting suitable crops and planting them at the right time to maximise on yields.
“To minimise risks, choose the crops whose seasonal crop water requirement is within the lower limit value of the predicted range.”
Kitui county director for disaster management Mutuku asked residents to take necessary safety precautions in anticipation of the
heavy El Niño rains, particularly by avoiding flooded rivers and
staying away from flood-prone areas.
She spoke to the media after a stakeholders’ meeting in Kitui town last Thursday.
Mutuku said the government had a
responsibility to provide timely and accurate information to help minimise
fatalities, destruction of property and other risks associated with the heavy
rains.
“NDMA will keep providing early warning reports in Kitui county to help residents take appropriate actions as the wet season progresses,” she assured.
Mbithi urged residents to closely follow weather forecasts disseminated through various media platforms and use the information to make informed decisions.
He said regular weather updates would enable residents to take appropriate measures to improve farm yields while also protecting themselves and their property from weather-related hazards.
The Met official echoed Mutuku’s warning, urging residents to keep away from flood-prone areas that could become marooned or waterlogged following heavy rainfall.
“I tell our people in Kitui to be prepared and ready for El Niño. This includes safe movement and also early farm preparations and planting,” Mbithi said.
