Nairobi: The media has been identified as a crucial player in disseminating vital information to the public before, during, and after the October-November-December (OND) rains. Media practitioners have been urged to translate seasonal weather forecasts into easily understandable data for the general populace, track rain-related risks, and promptly broadcast such information to preempt potential disasters.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority (KMSA) has emphasized the media’s role in providing communities with reliable and timely information on preparedness and response. The media is also tasked with countering misinformation, avoiding sensational reporting, and maintaining continuity in broadcasting and digital communication during the rainy season. The KMSA has already warned of above-average rainfall in most parts of the country, with specific areas like Turkana and Samburu expected to experience near-to above-average rainfall.
A total of 18 counties have been placed on high alert due to the expected El Ni±o rains, which are anticipated to begin in the second and third weeks of October and last until January 2027. Counties such as Nyeri, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Baringo, West Pokot, and Narok are among those expected to receive early rainfall. The media is encouraged to produce simple messaging on floods, landslides, lightning, and diseases that local populations can understand.
Journalists have been advised to report on local hazard hotspots, conduct interviews with relevant government agencies, and provide local-language advisories for vulnerable and remote communities. In the event of hazards, they are also urged to track the rehabilitation of infrastructure and follow up on displaced households and humanitarian assistance progress.
The KMSA report, signed by acting Director General Dr. Charles Mugah, has called on international partners, NGOs, and Community-Based Organizations to collaborate with government agencies for an effective response to the impacts of the El Ni±o rains. A potential risk of disease outbreaks, including malaria, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever, chikungunya, and cholera, has already been flagged by the weather agency.
The rains are anticipated to boost food and livestock production, improve agricultural output, increase farmers’ incomes, and sustain hydroelectricity generation due to the rise in water levels in power dams. The OND rainfall is expected to be fairly well distributed across the country, although Turkana and Samburu may experience less favorable distribution.
Most parts of the country are expected to witness above-average rainfall, influenced by the El Ni±o event. The season will be marked by prolonged wet spells and occasional isolated storms, with regions like Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, and parts of West Pokot predicted to receive near-average to above-average rainfall.
