NAIROBI (Commodity Online) : Kenya is all set to welcome torrential rainfall that may last three months, country’s Meteorological Department said.

According to the Department, high rates of lightning strikes will be experienced in western Kenya, particularly in Kisii, in the next 90 days as the long rains season sets in.



Apart from the coastal region, most parts of the country would receive adequate rainfall for farming, reforestation and power generation from this month until May, it added.

The experts forecast heavy rainfall in parts of western and central Kenya, including Nairobi, and warn of the possibility of an outbreak of highland malaria. The same areas might also experience flooding, especially in Kano and Budalang'i.

Statement said although some parts of the country were already receiving some rains, the season would peak later in March.

The weathermen, however, caution that this positive forecast could be interfered with by the possible formation of cyclones over the Indian Ocean.

A small part of Coast and Eastern provinces may receive less than normal rains but the forecast indicates this would be good enough for agricultural purposes.

Eastern Province is one of the areas which benefited most from the short rains in January. An early onset of the rains in some parts of the country could cost farmers still harvesting their crops. It could lead to spoilage and low drying levels.

If the forecast holds true, the prices of food may fall. Current maize stocks are expected to last until May when the country could experience shortages while awaiting the next harvest.

The weathermen are asking farmers to take advantage of the expected good rains to maximise production.

Some parts of the country such as Rift Valley and Central may experience abnormally heavy rains that could sweep away roads. This might make the transportation of commodities to markets difficult.

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