The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of more rains expected over most parts in the western side.
In the weather forecast, the weatherman said heavy rainfall is expected in Samburu, Turkana, Baringo, Laikipia, Kitale, Eldoret, Nyandarua, Nyahururu, Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Kajiado, Kitui and Makueni.
“Some parts of North-Eastern, North-Western and the Coastal region are likely to remain sunny and dry,” it stated.
In Nairobi, moderate to light rains is expected in the afternoon between 12 pm – 6 pm and towards 6 pm to 6 am.
Most parts of the country have experienced heavy rainfall Saturday.
Last week, the Director of Meteorological Services, Stella Aura urged farmers in the grain basket regions of the country to take advantage of the dry weather conditions to dry their maize harvest in order to prevent contamination.
However, she warned of a potential reduction in pasture and fodder for both wildlife and livestock in the North-western and North-eastern sectors of the country, which could lead to human to wildlife conflicts as well as conflicts among various groups due to shortage of water and pasture.
“The Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government and humanitarian institutions are therefore advised to put in place measures to avert possible negative impacts that may arise such as the loss of lives, livelihoods and property,” said Aura.
She further warned that the dry spell could negatively impact the major river catchment areas that feed into the country’s hydro-electricity power generating dams and urged the public to invest in water harvesting technologies so as to take advantage of the rainfall that may occur before the dry spell sets in.
She noted that environmental impacts arising from the dry conditions could see water levels in reservoirs, lakes, and ponds reduce due to high evaporation.
“It is also likely to lead to loss of wetlands and occurrence of wildfires in forests, parks and reserves,” she said and added, “The public should therefore be alert while putting in place measures to conserve the environment.”
According to the weatherman, the high temperatures expected during the month of January in most parts of the country may lead to heat stress and heat related discomforts such as headaches and fatigue.
“The public is therefore advised to hydrate appropriately and avoid working in the open especially in the afternoons,” advised Aura.
Aura noted that, the expected occasional rainfall “especially at the beginning of the month” may cause slippery roads in some parts of the country increasing the risk of accidents, while flash floods may cause transport challenges especially during rush hours and more so in areas where the roads become impassable when it rains.