The Kenya Meteorological Department issued a resolute update affirming that Kenya is on the brink of a week of relentless rainfall, aligning with President William Ruto's recent statements.
In a bulletin disclosed on Monday, the department forewarned that precipitation would persist across various regions of the country, with the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and North-eastern Kenya anticipating sporadic thunderstorms.
The statement specified, "Anticipate high average daytime (maximum) temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in numerous areas, encompassing the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya."
"Conversely, some pockets in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the South-eastern lowlands, and the Rift Valley will encounter low average night-time (minimum) temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius."
This update transpired shortly after President William Ruto conveyed that the nation was not poised to undergo severe El Nino repercussions. Addressing a congregation during a Sunday church service in Riruta, the President indicated that meteorologists had altered their earlier forecast, renouncing the possibility of El Nino rains.
"We received reports about the looming El Nino rains, capable of causing significant property damage. Nevertheless, God has shown us favor," affirmed the President.
"Subsequently, we have heard the meteorologists retracting their stance. We should now expect heavy rains. We express our gratitude to God."
In their review of the prior week, Kenya's meteorological experts corroborated isolated thunderstorms in regions including Meru, Kitui, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Marsabit, Meru, Kwale, Wajir, Tharaka Nithi, West Pokot, Embu, Trans Nzoia, Kiambu, and Isiolo.
The report compared rainfall amounts from October 9 to 15, 2023, with those from October 16 to 22, 2023, revealing increased precipitation during the latter period.
"The highest seven-day rainfall total (205.8mm) was recorded at the rainfall station at Gurar Police Station in Wajir County."
Initially, the Kenya Meteorological Department had projected El Nino for Kenya from October to December. Some regions, including Western Kenya and parts of Rift Valley, were earmarked to endure El Nino effects that could potentially extend into January 2024.