The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has issued a strong advisory urging farmers across the country to adopt moisture-conservation practices amid a concerning June weather outlook.
In a June outlook report released on June 5, farmers have been told to mulch their fields, practice minimum tillage, construct tied ridges, and invest in rainwater harvesting to protect their crops from dwindling soil moisture.
Livestock farmers have also been put on notice to conserve fodder, provide adequate feed and clean water, and shelter their animals from cool temperatures and strong winds.
Crop and livestock owners are further urged to stay vigilant against pests, fungal diseases, and animal illnesses, which thrive wherever residual rainfall and humidity linger.
A tea farmer in the field.
Photo
Kenya Tea Development Agency
All farmers are encouraged to regularly monitor weather updates and consult agricultural extension officers before making any major planting or financial decisions this month.
These advisories come as most parts of Kenya, including the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the Northeastern and Northwestern regions, are expected to receive near-average to below-average rainfall in June.
These regions encompass counties such as Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, and rural agricultural zones across eastern and highland regions.
Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, and Marsabit counties span western and northern Kenya, regions characterised by diverse climatic conditions ranging from humid highlands to arid and semi-arid landscapes.
Warmer-than-average temperatures are expected across the country, adding to the moisture stress already weighing on millions of smallholder farmers.
However, the Lake Victoria Basin and coastal regions stand out as bright spots, with near-average to above-average rainfall expected to support farming activities through the month.
Maize crops in Western and Nyanza regions are currently performing well, sustained by soil moisture carried over from the May long rains season.
Northeastern Kenya remains the most vulnerable zone, with reduced rainfall pushing some parts toward serious moisture stress and threatening pasture recovery.
This advisory comes against the backdrop of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warning that El Niño conditions are developing, threatening higher global temperatures and disruptive rainfall patterns in the coming months across most of the world.
According to WMO weather and climate updates released on June 2, there is an 80 per cent probability of El Niño developing between June and August 2026 across most parts of the world, including Eastern Africa, and may lead to devastating impacts such as severe floods and famine.
A section of Kitale–Morpus Road destroyed by floods
