METEO:Below average rainfall expected over Ukambani

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has forecast that Southeastern region will receive below average rainfall for March -April-May period.

Rains pounding Kitui town during the morning hours of January 21,2021. The Weatherman says Ukambani region will receive below average rains in March-May season. /FILE

All Ukambani counties of Kitui, Makueni and Machakos fall under Southeastern Kenya. Other devolved units under this category are Taita Taveta and Tana River counties.

The above forecast has been confirmed by Dr David Gikungu, Director of Kenya Meteorological Department.

The Weatherman goes on to forecast that Southeastern Kenya will receive poorly distributed rainfall. The expected onset date is likely to be first to second week of April while the cessation week will be either second or third week of May.

The drought situation is expected to worsen since the last rain season was marked by depressed rainfall. The October -November-December rains had delayed onset over most parts of the country.

"The rainfall distribution in both time and space was poor throughout the country especially in the months of October and December", writes the Weatherman in a March -April-May (MAM) Outlook 2023 Report.

Farmers have been advised to plant early maturing crops as well as drought-resistant ones since the expected rainfall will be below average.

The Weatherman expects increased cases of crop pests and diseases over the forecast period especially the fall armyworm and diseases. Dr Gikungu advises farmers to use integrated pests and animal diseases surveillance, control and prevention in order to have optimal harvests at the end of the March -April-May rains season.

STORY By JOHN MUSEMBI