Kiambu County is facing increased weather-related hazards as its meteorology office warns of rising landslide risks following unpredictable rainfall patterns and limited resources affecting climate communication.
Kiambu County residents have been urged to stay alert as the local meteorology department raises concerns about emerging landslide threats linked to the ongoing erratic rainfall.
According to Kiambu County Meteorology Officer Peter Karanja, the county continues to experience unusual rainfall patterns marked by sudden heavy downpours followed by unexpected dry spells, conditions that significantly heighten the risk of soil destabilisation in several areas.
Karanja explained that landslides are primarily triggered when soil becomes overly saturated, especially in hilly or elevated regions. He noted that Kimende and Mundoro in Gatundu North are among the most vulnerable locations due to their terrain and history of heavy rainfall.
“When the soil absorbs too much water, it becomes weak and that’s when a landslide is likely to occur,” he said.
The meteorology department is, however, operating under severe resource limitations, which have hindered its ability to conduct in-person climate sensitization forums.
Karanja revealed that the office lacks adequate funding to organize seminars that would normally bring together county officials for detailed weather briefings. As a result, the department now relies heavily on a WhatsApp group to share updates with all Kiambu County departmental directors.
“We don’t have funds for seminars, so WhatsApp has become our main channel to keep
everyone informed,” he explained.
In addition to county-level alerts, the department is advising Kenyans living in flood- and landslide-prone regions to move to safer ground and strictly adhere to warnings issued by local authorities and disaster management agencies.
This advisory comes as heavy rainfall marks the onset of the October–November–December (OND) short rains season across many parts of the country.
A resident responding to the ongoing weather developments expressed concern over the unpredictable conditions, stating, “We are worried because the rains are unpredictable, and some of us live very close to unstable slopes.”
The OND season typically brings relief to drought-hit areas but also poses significant risks, including flash floods, mudslides, and infrastructure damage.
Karanja urged farmers to make cautious planting decisions, warning that sensitive crops like beans may fail under inconsistent weather conditions. Farmers were advised to consider hardier crop varieties capable of withstanding alternating wet and dry spells.
The Kenya Meteorological Department said it will continue monitoring evolving weather patterns and issue regular updates as conditions change.
By C. Kituku and Agnes Karisa
