Residents of Kajiado County have been advised to prepare for a dry spell during the October-November-December (OND) 2025 short rains season, with forecasts indicating near-average to below-average rainfall. The warning comes from a Consolidated Advisory issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), citing delayed onset and poor distribution of rainfall across the region.
Rains are expected to begin late, between the third and fourth week of November and end by late December. Long dry spells are likely to dominate the season, raising concerns over water stress, poor crop performance, and increased competition for scarce resources.
County Director of Meteorological Services, Mr. Benson Lubang’a Ogada, attributed the expected dry conditions to a developing negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), a climate phenomenon known to suppress rainfall in East Africa. He urged residents to treat the advisory as a planning guide and to remain alert for updates.
Farmers have been encouraged to plant early-maturing and drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, millets, green grams, and cowpeas. Planting should begin by early November to maximize the limited rainfall. Water conservation techniques such as mulching, zai pits, and cut-off drains have also been recommended.
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Livestock keepers are advised to harvest and store pasture as hay and silage, practice rotational grazing, and rehabilitate water pans and boreholes. Vaccination and livestock insurance are also recommended 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, maintain hygiene, and ensure proper waste disposal to prevent outbreaks.
Environmental officers are calling on communities to plant indigenous trees, manage invasive weeds like Ipomoea and Mexican poppy, and regulate sand harvesting to prevent land degradation. The County Government has also appealed for peaceful coexistence, warning that competition for water and pasture could escalate tensions if not well managed.
By Masaki Enock
