Kajiado: Residents of Kajiado County have been advised to prepare for a dry spell during the October-November-December (OND) 2025 short rains season, following a Consolidated Advisory issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) indicating that the county is likely to receive near-average to below-average rainfall.
According to Kenya News Agency, the advisory shows that the rains are expected to start late, between the third and fourth week of November, and end by late December. Rainfall will be poorly distributed both in space and time, with long dry spells likely to occur across many parts of the county.
The County Director of Meteorological Services, Mr. Benson Lubang'a Ogada, stated that the expected below-normal rainfall is linked to a developing negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), a climate phenomenon known to suppress rainfall in the East African region. He warned that the season may be characterized by water stress for both humans and livestock, poor crop performance, and increased competition for scarce resources.
The advisory urges farmers to take advantage of the early part of the season by planting early-maturing and drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, millets, green grams, and cowpeas. Farmers have also been encouraged to plant by early November to utilize the available rainfall effectively and to adopt water conservation measures such as mulching, zai pits, and cut-off drains.
Livestock keepers are advised to harvest and store pasture as hay and silage, practice rotational grazing, and rehabilitate water pans and boreholes to ensure sustainable access to water. They have also been urged to vaccinate livestock and consider livestock insurance to cushion against losses during the anticipated dry period.
The advisory further warns of the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid if water sources are not properly managed. Residents are urged to treat drinking water, observe hygiene, and ensure proper waste disposal to prevent disease outbreaks.
Environmental officers are encouraging communities to plant indigenous trees, manage invasive weeds such as Ipomoea and Mexican poppy, and regulate sand harvesting to prevent land degradation. The County Government has also appealed for peaceful coexistence among communities, noting that competition for water and pasture could escalate conflicts if not well managed.
Mr. Ogada called on residents to remain alert and follow regular weather updates from the Meteorological Department, emphasizing that rainfall patterns can change rapidly. He added that the advisory should be used as a planning guide and that residents should consult relevant county departments before making major decisions.
The Consolidated Advisory for the OND 2025 Short Rains was jointly developed by the Kenya Meteorological Department, Kajiado County Government, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), and partners including Christian Aid, the CARE-WWF Alliance, and ActionAid Kenya.