The Kenya Meteorological Department forecast adds that the intensity of rains is likely to reduce on Monday April 8, 2024.

The weatherman has warned residents to be on the lookout for potential floods and flash floods.

All the 40 wards in Kitui County are likely to experience rains of varying degrees.

The above mentioned heavy rains forecast is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds, County Director of Meteorological Services Mr Daniel Mbithi said. As such, residents were warner to avoid driving through flooded areas and not taking shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.

Generally, this will be a wet week with highland areas of Kitui Central, Kitui West and Mwingi expected to receive heavy rainfall.  

The maximum temperature this week will oscillate between 24°C and 33°C while the minimum temperature set to be experienced during the forecast period will be between 17°C and 22°C.

The cessation period for this long rain season is forecast to be between the first week of May to the third week.

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) further says that  the heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds. "Gusty winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damage",  warned the KMD Director General Dr David Gikungu.

Kenyans from counties forecast to receive heavy rains have been warned to be careful when dealing with floods.They should not drive through or walk in flooded areas.

Further, wananchi were advised to avoid sheltering under trees or close to grilled windows to avoid being struck by lightning when it rains.

The seasonal weather report released on Tuesday by Kitui County director of meteorology, Daniel Mbithi advises farmers who have not planted to start planting forthwith. Mbithi advises that wet planting should largely be dictated by the weekly weather update which is more accurate. 

“Wet plant when the weekly forecast indicates at least three days with rain of a total amount greater than 20mm,” said Mbithi in the forecast report seen by MWINGI TIMES.

The report further indicates that the rains that set in this week, had the onset projected for the fourth week of March to first week of April with the cessation expected by the first and the second week of May. “The rainfall distribution in time and space is expected to be fair to bad in Lower Zone and fair to good in both Middle Zone and Upper Zone. The length of the rain period will be 30-45 days,” said Mbithi.

The Kitui County Met director said that there will be intermittent long dry spells within the rainy period. He said it was impossible to reasonably predict the actual length of the dry spells and the impact on crops.

The rain forecast report shows that although Kitui County had three ecological zones namely Upper Zone, Middle Zone and Lower Zones, growing of maize and beans should only take place in Upper Zone but a not in the rest of the zones.

The areas of Upper ecological zones are those projected to receive between 300 mm to 500 mm of rainfall thus provided adequate moisture for maize and beans. They include ward like Kyangwithya East, Township and Upper Nzambani.

The other wards fingered as ideal for the two crops are Miambani, Matinyani, Upper Mutonguni, Migwani, Mumoni and Tharaka, according to the report.

The report calls on farmers in the other two zones to avoid maize and beans and plant drought tolerant crops like Dolichos, millet, sorghum, cowpeas and greengrams. “To minimize risks, choose the crops whose seasonal crop water requirement is within the lower limit value of the predicted range,” the report advises farmers. 

The middle and lower zones are respectively projected to cumulatively receive 200mm to 300mm and 100mm to 200 mm during the MAM rain season.

Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Daniel Mbithi advised farmers to do dry planting this (onset) week or wet plant when the weekly forecast indicates at least three days with rain of a total amount greater than 20mm.

The weatherman noted that this March-April-May [MAM] rains season commenced/will start between  March 23 and April 7. It is expected to cease between May 1 and May 21.

Farmers from across the Governor Dr Julius Malombe-led county were urged to consult with their respective local agricultural extension officers for more advice on the best farm practices.

The drought in Turkana County has been ongoing for years, with the most affected areas being the rural and semi-arid regions. The scarce and erratic rainfall in the county has caused acute water shortages and widespread famine, resulting in a severe shortage of resources for both humans and animals. When animals are deprived of water and food, they become weak, vulnerable, and more susceptible to diseases and other health issues, leading to a high mortality rate. According to statistics from the Government of Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation, the county has recorded a death toll of more than 100,000 livestock, including camels, goats, and cattle, in the past few years due to the drought. The situation is dire, and urgent intervention is needed to prevent further loss of animal lives.

The primary source of livelihood for most families in Turkana County is herding and livestock farming. With the death of their animals, this means a significant loss of income and assets for the local communities. This loss of livelihood affects not only the individual families but also the economy of the county at large.

Livestock production and trade is a major contributor to the county's economy, and the ongoing drought has caused a significant decline in this sector. The loss of animals also means a loss of valuable breeding stock, which will have long-term consequences on the county's future economy.

But how exactly does drought and famine lead to the death of animals in Turkana County? First and foremost, the lack of water and food directly affects the physical health of the animals. Inadequate water intake causes dehydration, which can lead to serious health complications, including kidney failure. Without enough food, animals become weak and are unable to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them more prone to diseases and infections. Lack of proper nutrition also causes a decline in the animals' immune systems, leaving them vulnerable to illnesses. Furthermore, the scarcity of water and food leads to competition among animals, resulting in fights and injuries, which can also lead to death.

As if the lack of water and food was not enough, the ongoing drought has also led to the spread of diseases among animals in Turkana County. The stagnant water in the few remaining water sources becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites, which can cause deadly diseases like anthrax, brucellosis, and foot-and-mouth disease. With no access to veterinary services and vaccines, the animals are left defenseless against these diseases, leading to high mortality rates. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that many herders cannot afford the cost of treatment for their animals, further contributing to the death toll.

Another contributing factor to the death of animals in Turkana County is the human-wildlife conflict. With the severe drought forcing animals to venture outside of their protected areas in search of food and water, they often come into contact with humans and their livestock. This conflict has led to the death of both domestic and wild animals, further exacerbating the already dire situation. The loss of animals due to human-wildlife conflicts is also a significant blow to the local communities, who rely on hunting and game meat for food.

Despite the efforts of the Kenyan government and various organizations to mitigate the effects of the ongoing drought in Turkana County, the situation remains dire. What is needed is a long-term solution that focuses on sustainable strategies to help the county's ecosystems and its inhabitants, including animals, survive future droughts. This can include investments in sustainable water and food sources, better management of grazing lands, and providing access to veterinary services and vaccinations. It is crucial to involve the local communities in these initiatives to ensure their buy-in and sustainability in the long run.

In conclusion, the harsh reality of drought and famine in Turkana County is taking a tragic toll on animal lives. The lack of water and food, the spread of diseases, and the human-wildlife conflict have all contributed to a devastating loss of animal lives, further exacerbating the already dire situation. Urgent and sustainable interventions are needed to prevent further loss of animal lives and to ensure the survival of both humans and animals in Turkana County.

It is crucial for the government, NGOs, and individuals to come together and take proactive steps towards finding long-term solutions for the ongoing crisis.

Global warming indeed is the environmental hazard monster every continent is frankly  staring into. Its fiery eyes waiting for the least provocation to pounce and to devour our planet.

Global warming by definition refers to the long term increase in average surface temperatures due to human activities such as deforestation and industrial processes.

Generally, we have several key indicators that global warming is taking place .One indicator is the ever rising temperatures over the past century and also the warming of the oceans.  Temperature rise is also responsible for the retreat and melting of ice caps and ice sheets in  the Arctic. This causes the sea levels to rise which impacts the coastal communities.

Extreme weather conditions is another result of global warming. There has been increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heat waves ,heavy rainfalls and even hurricanes. Such events cause significant damage to infrastructure and even agriculture.

Acidification of the ocean is also another result of global warming process.The increased absorption of carbon dioxide by the oceans leads to acidification harming marine life and ecosystems.

These are just some of the visible indicators that global warming is ravaging the planet. The big question is how are we going to counter its effects .The United Nations which is the internationally recognized organization and given the mandate on matters affecting the world  as a whole, has held discussions over the years to try and find ways to reduce the effects of global warming to our planet.

Through the several meetings held over the years they have managed to implement several policies, one being to reduce green house gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. Transition to renewable sources of energy and promotes sustainable practices in industries transportation and agriculture.

Adaptation of strategies is also another way to counter global warming effects. Development and implementation of strategies to adapt to impacts of global warming such as building resilient infrastructure, improving water management and also enhancing disaster preparedness in case one hits unexpectedly.

Public awareness and education is also very important and plays a crucial role in the effort to reduce effects of global warming, promote sustainable lifestyles and empower individuals and communities to take action.

International cooperation is also a clever strategy applied; fostering collaboration among nations to address climate change through agreements .

Dwelling deeper into the United Nations role in the global warming menace, the United Nations has organized numerous meetings and conferences and there are some key ones .The United Nations conference on the human environment (Stockholm) held in 1972.This conference laid the background work for international environmental cooperation and raised awareness about the need for sustainable development.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) primary goal to is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels with efforts to limit the temperature to 1.5 degree Celsius .

The other one is the Conference Of Parties (COP).The COP is the supreme decision -making body of the UNFCC. It holds annual meeting to access progress in dealing with climate change and negotiate agreement. Some of the significant COP meetings include:

COP3(Kyoto,1997): Adopted the Kyoto protocol which set legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.

COP21(Paris,2015) adopted the Paris Agreement aimed at limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial levels.

COP26(Glasgow,2021): Addressed key issues related to the implementation of the Paris Agreement, including enhancing emissions reduction targets and financial support for developing countries.

The other meeting held was Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).Though not a United Nations meeting, the IPCC is a scientific body established by the UN in1988 to provide policy makers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, it’s impacts and adaptation and mitigation options.

Such meetings play a crucial role in shaping international climate policy , fostering collaboration among nations, and driving collective action to address the challenges posed by climate change.

However, despite the effort and progress made, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and the impact of climate changes are becoming increasingly severe.To achieve a planet free of global warming we will require more ambitious and coordinated action at all levels.

Though the ultimate goal is to achieve a clean planet free of global warming, it is difficult to predict an exact timeline for achieving it.It will depend on various factors such as the place of emission reduction, technological advancements ,policy decisions and societal changes .However achieving this goal will require urgent and concerted efforts from governments, business civil society and individuals world wide.

Many experts agree that significant progress must be made within the next decade to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change and set the world on a path towards a sustainable and resilient future. Saving the planet from global warming is our collective  responsibility, me and you, the little and simple things we do to care for mother earth makes part of the greater goal to achieve a clean and safe planet .As the earth inhabitants, we are obliged to conserve it since all the causes of global warming are related to us humans and I do believe that we are the answers to the problem we created.

Around 71% of the earth's surface is covered by water. Out of this, 97% is the saline water of oceans and seas which is unfit for drinking.The remaining 3% of drinkable water comes from streams, ponds,lakes and rivers.

Rapid urbanization, irregular monsoons, expeditious use of groundwater, and untreated sewages has further pushed the country into a dire strait and has made it quite hard to quench the thirst of the population.Today is the situation where the world is headed towards a water crisis and the day is not far enough for another country or a major or city to become the next Cape town.

As citizens, it's our fundamental responsibility to supplement the efforts of the governments and organisations with our actions using a limited amount of water while washing clothes and utensils, brushing teeth, bathing and farming is the first step in this.Schools and offices should start planting as many trees as possible. NGOs must come up with plausible solutions and spread awareness amongst masses about the importance and the techniques to conserve water.To every problem, there is a solution and here, it's "we".In order to bring out the changes, our actions need to be changed.

Mental health issues are not only affecting the youth but also the adults but is more prevalent among the young people. According to a  World Health Organization (WHO) report, it clearly indicates that out of ten youths, six of them have mental health issues.

Through the courageous testimonies of those who have battled with mental illness and emerged victorious, and resilience of young people a journey towards recovery is possible.

Sarah Mukhwana, a vibrant and resilient young woman, shared her personal journey of battling mental illness and ultimately finding healing and hope. Sarah’s journey began in her late teens when she started experiencing debilitating anxiety attack and depression. She recalls feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and hopeless, unsure of where to turn for help.

“I felt like I was drowning in my own thought, consumed by fear and despair. I didn’t know how to talk about what I was going through or even if I should. The stigma surrounding mental illness made me feel ashamed and embarrassed,” Sarah candidly shared.

As Sarah’s symptoms worsened, she courageously sought out professional help and was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. Through therapy, medication, and the unwavering support of her loved ones, Sarah began her journey towards recovery. It was a long and arduous road, filled with setbacks and challenges, but Sarah persevered with unwavering determination and resilience.

“I had to learn to prioritize my mental health and practice self-care. I had to unlearn harmful thought patterns and beliefs that were holding me back. It was a journey of self-discovery and healing, but I knew that I had to fight for my own well-being,’’ Sarah reflected.

Through therapy, medication, and the adoption of health coping mechanisms, Sarah gradually regained control of her life and found a renewed sense of purpose and hope. She credits her recovery to the unwavering support of her family, friends, and mental professionals who encouraged her to seek help and never lose faith in herself. “I want to share my story to inspire others who may be struggling with their mental health. You are not alone, and there is help and hope available. Recovery is possible, and you deserve to live a fulfilling and meaningful life,’’ Sarah emphasized.

Sarah’s story is a statement to the resilience, courage, and strength of young individuals who confront mental illness head-on and refuse to be defined by their struggles. She also offers a ray of hope and encouragement to those who may be battling similar challenges. It is essential that we continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health, promote open and honest conversations, and provide accessible and compassionate support to young people in need.

The government can’t be left out while rising up the flag of ensuring and creating awareness on the issue of mental health. It has a vital role of ensuring individuals with mental health issues their rights are respected as for the other citizens.

The government should also play a big role in educating the citizens on this alarming issue; what causes it, which are detectable signs and symptoms, and the effects as well, Sarah concludes.

Farmers have been reminded to take advantage of the high temperatures to dry their harvested crops to acceptable moisture levels in order to minimize post-harvest losses.

Kitui County is popular for drought tolerant crops such as mung beans, sorghum, millet and cowpeas. It is these crops that Kenya Meteorological Department is making reference to in order to be dried well before storage and sale.

The latest weather report says that the rains are expected to continue this week and the first week of March then take a break on the second week before resuming again.

"Generally, the rains have a 55% chance of above normal for a Long Term Mean of MAM season", said Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Mr Daniel Mbithi.

The weatherman recommends farmers to plant Drought Tolerant Crops [DTCs] "since MAM season is not one of the best in Kitui County".