The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted more rainfall in Nyanza, Rift-valley, Nairobi, Western and most parts of the country during this month of May.

For this reason, farmers in Western, Nyanza and Rift Valley provinces are advised to take advantage of the rains and maximize crop yield through appropriate land-use management.

“Farmers are therefore advised to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture on ways of taking advantage of the expected good rainfall,” said the Director of Meteorological Services, Joseph Mukabana.

Dr Mukabana said that in other agricultural-based regions in Central, South Eastern and Coastal Kenya, where the rainfall was expected to be ‘Near-Normal’ with a tendency towards ‘Below-Normal’, farmers were also advised to liaise with the Agriculture ministry to get advice on planting appropriate crops.

The Meteorological department also warned the country to expect disasters usually linked to La-Niña conditions. “Lightning strikes may occur in western Kenya especially within Gusii and Kakamega counties owing to strong convective activities between Lake Victoria, Mau Escarpment and Mt Elgon”, said the director.

He said Budalangi and Kano areas were also likely to experience some degree of flash flooding while isolated cases of landslides and mudslides are likely to occur in some parts of Western and Rift Valley provinces.

The Meteorological officer advised the National Disaster Operations Centre to take necessary measures that would ensure mitigation of negative impacts resulting from the forecast conditions.

He predicted that flash floods may be experienced in western and some parts of central Kenya. This may lead to transport problems, especially during rush hours, more so in areas where roads become impassable when it rains.

Slippery roads and visibility during rainstorms might also pose dangers to motorists and pedestrians, who should take utmost care during the rainy period.

The municipalities have also been encouraged to develop capacity to cater for an ever-increasing population, due to increased rural-urban migration.

Light aircraft are advised to take utmost care on the western routes and avoid flying through deep cumulus clouds; especially in the afternoon hours as such clouds are usually associated with severe lightning.