The 2021 rainy season in Kenya will be an atypical one, at least according to forecasts by local meteorologists. The heavy rains in many parts of the country, especially in the north and north-east, have started late and could already be over by the end of May, while in western Kenya and on the coast they could continue, but without continuity and with much lower levels than the average of previous years.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Service, the distribution of rainfall will be fairly poor in the north-west, south-east and coastal regions, while in the Rift Valley and north-east the rainfall will be good but brief and continue at a lower level in June.
Turkana, West Pokot and Samburu counties are likely to experience near or slightly above average rainfall during the first half of the month. Above-average rainfall is expected during the first half of the month in the Highlands east of the Rift Valley and in central Kenya, where agricultural benefits are expected.
There is, as usual, the likelihood of flooding in low-lying and lowland areas, especially in western parts of Kenya, where occasional heavy rains are expected.
Yesterday, the coast experienced its first real day of heavy rains, with flooding in Mombasa and Malindi, but nothing really worrying as in past years.