Farmers in Kakamega County have been advised to take advantage of the anticipated El Niño rains to boost agricultural production amidst authorities warning of possible occurrence of floods and landslides in some parts of the county.
Speaking during a participatory scenario planning meeting at the regional headquarters in Kakamega, County Director of Meteorological Services Vincent Sakwa said farmers need to harvest the potentially enhanced rainfall and productively utilize it.
He urged farmers to plant fodder for their animals as well as short-term crops and vegetables that they could sell within a short period, noting that the enhanced rains present an opportunity for them to improve their livelihoods.
Sakwa, however, appealed to residents across the county to remain alert and take necessary precautions, as the deluge will likely increase the risk of flooding, landslides, lightning, poor visibility, and strong winds in different parts of the county.
He asked residents living near major rivers, including Nzoia, Lusumu, and Yala, to be particularly cautious, as the rivers could burst their banks and cause flooding in vulnerable areas.
“The rains will also be accompanied by strong winds, which could blow off roofs and destroy infrastructure,” Sakwa warned.
He cautioned motorists and other road users of poor visibility along major highways during heavy rainfall and urged residents to exercise caution during thunderstorms because of the risk of lightning.
“Residents living near rivers and other flood-prone areas should be prepared to move to higher ground if their homes are threatened by rising water,” he said.
He said the meteorological department and other response teams will work with stakeholders to enhance the safety of residents and urged the public to follow advisories issued by relevant authorities.
FAO Regional Director – Nandi Cluster (Tunza Programme) Michael Bett said the organization is working with the Kenya Meteorological Services to help farmers make informed decisions based on the expected weather conditions.
Bett urged farmers to take advantage of the ongoing rains to plant crops and fodder for their livestock, noting that the rains could lead to increased incomes.
He noted that Tunza has about 45 Farmer Field School groups in Kakamega County where they promote six value chains, which include African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs), poultry, dairy, and fruit trees.
“We want our farmers to take advantage of the rains by planting fodder for the dairy value chain and improving their livelihoods,” Bett said.
By Shilla Nicolle and Godfrey Wang’anya
