Kajiado County is bracing for a difficult season after the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning of below-average rainfall and poor distribution during the upcoming short rains.
According to the Met department, the anticipated rainfall deficit will not only affect crop production but also worsen the availability of pasture and water for animals. This comes at a time when many households are still recovering from the effects of the prolonged drought that led to massive livestock deaths across arid and semi-arid counties.
In Kajiado, pastoralists have already begun relocating their herds in search of greener pastures, but the situation remains uncertain. With the rains expected to be erratic and insufficient, fears of a deepening drought are growing. Local leaders and agricultural officers have urged farmers to prepare for tough conditions and adopt early mitigation strategies.
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The county’s livestock sector, which supports thousands of families, is particularly vulnerable. During the last drought cycle leading up to 2023, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) reported over 2.6 million livestock deaths across 23 counties, including Kajiado. Experts warn that without adequate rainfall, similar losses could occur again.
The Meteorological Department has advised counties to activate contingency plans and support vulnerable communities through water trucking, fodder distribution, and climate-smart agriculture. As the short rains approach, Kajiado faces a critical test of  preparedness in the face of worsening climate shocks.
By Masaki Enock
