The Kenya Meteorological Department has outlined the measures taken to mitigate disasters ahead of adverse weather, ensuring the country is well-prepared for changing climate patterns.

Principal Meteorologist and Climate Scientist Joyce Kimutai, speaking in a TV interview on Wednesday, explained the process of keeping counties informed about weather patterns. She noted that it begins with the institution generating forecasts, which are then shared with counties for further analysis and planning.

Following this, participatory workshops are held, bringing together various stakeholders, particularly those in weather-sensitive sectors, to generate information that can guide preparations.

"We've looked at the climate of the area. The climate tells you what the normal rainfall is for this region. You've looked at this region for a long time and you've established the quantities and the values that are considered as normal millimetres," Kimutai revealed.

Climate Change Attribution Researcher Joyce Kimutai during a past engagement.

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Joyce Kimutai

The Kenya Meteorological Department typically follows a centralised system before disseminating information to specific regions for further analysis. Experts then examine the climate history of each area to determine the average highs and lows characteristic of that particular region.

Kimutai explained, "For example, in the lake region, if the normal is 120 millimetres, the above normal can be above that, reaching 200 or even 300 millimetres."

"But when we say a season will be above normal, we are saying most days of that season, or the distribution of rainfall in space and time, will be above normal."

Beyond making these projections, Kimutai highlighted the importance of engaging with key stakeholders to assess the implications of forecasts for various economic activities and sectors.

She noted that the department prioritises close collaboration with local communities and stakeholders, such as farmers, to enable informed decision-making.

With this approach, Kimutai believes potential risks associated with extreme weather conditions can be significantly mitigated.

On Tuesday, March 4, the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department Dr David Gikungu also shed light on the recent high temperatures that have been experienced in the country over the last two months. 

The high temperatures experienced since December have peaked at 32°C in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley—including Nairobi and Kiambu—while other parts of the country have recorded highs of over 36°C. This, according to Gikungu, isnormal before the onset of the long rains.

He added that the sun is moving towards its position above the equator, and as a result, this movement causes significant heating and very low pressure, which attracts winds.

This phenomenon, he explained, influences weather patterns by increasing atmospheric instability, leading to heavy rainfall in some regions and dry conditions in others.

An aerial view of the Nairobi National Park under the sun.

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The Conversation