In a noteworthy divergence of opinions, the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, David Gikungu, has announced that Kenya is set to experience El Nino conditions between October and December. This announcement follows a conflicting statement made by his assistant, David Koros, who had earlier informed the press that the phenomenon should be characterized as enhanced rainfall, not El Nino.
Director Gikungu, in an appearance on Citizen TV on Monday, stood firm on his assessment, emphasizing that the anticipated enhanced rainfall, commencing in the second week of October, would be accompanied by rising temperatures and high seas, thereby classifying it as El Nino.
"I want to clarify this from the outset. El Nino is upon us. If there are any changes, you will hear it directly from me," Gikungu asserted. "We've issued the forecast, and El Nino is here. The notion that there is no El Nino and that it's merely enhanced rainfall is misinformation."
He further clarified that while no two El Nino events are identical, the upcoming El Nino's effects are expected to be severe.
"Each El Nino event is unique. It's valid to compare it to the (1998) El Nino with its devastating impact, but they're never identical. There have been several El Nino events over the years," he explained.
"In Western Kenya, where it has been raining in September, we anticipate this to continue until the expected onset of El Nino in the second week of October. We expect this pattern to persist into December, with a possibility of heavy rainfall extending into January. The peak of the event is forecasted for November."
Contrary to Gikungu's assertions, Assistant Director Koros had previously argued that the forthcoming weather phenomenon should not be classified as El Nino, based on the department's projections released on Monday.
"It's not El Nino rains as such; these factors are enhancing rainfall. They are attempting to improve upon what was already present. What we're witnessing is heightened rainfall compared to previous conditions. It's not El Nino; it's enhanced rainfall," Koros maintained.
In response to the media's coverage of the disagreement, the Meteorological Department issued a clear statement refuting the claims and cautioning Kenyans about the impending weather conditions.
"Please be informed that the El Niño phenomenon is still in effect. Consequently, we anticipate above-average rainfall for both October and the entire season, which is linked to the ongoing El Niño event," quoted Kenya Met in a retweet.
El Nino is a climate pattern originating in the Pacific Ocean along the Equator, known for its association with rising sea levels and elevated temperatures.
Regions expected to experience increased rainfall include the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, Central Kenya, and Southern Rift Valley, among others.
In response to the forecast, Nairobi authorities are planning to relocate residents living in low-lying areas to higher ground to mitigate potential flooding.