Machakos Farmers Warned to Brace for Poor Short Rains, Possible Drought

Key Highlights

• Machakos meteorological office forecasts below-normal, poorly distributed October–December (OND) rains.
• Rainfall expected between 250–300mm, starting Nov 17–24 and ending Dec 15–22.
• Season to last only 29–36 days, raising risk of drought across the county.
• Farmers advised to adopt drought-tolerant crops like cassava, cowpeas, and sweet potatoes.
• Officials urge early water harvesting, dry planting, and livestock destocking as mitigation.
• County to activate drought contingency plan and conduct food security assessments.
• Vulnerable areas flagged include Kinanie, Yatta, Athi River, Mwala, and Kola.

County on High Alert Over Short Rains

Farmers in Machakos County have been urged to prepare for a difficult planting season after the meteorological department projected below-normal and poorly distributed October–December rains.

Director of Meteorological Services, Dominic Kyalo, announced that the rains will begin between November 17 and 24 and end between December 15 and 22, lasting just over a month. With rainfall amounts expected at 250–300mm, Kyalo cautioned that the short season will likely trigger drought conditions.

“This is the time to harvest and store water for both crops and livestock. Farmers should embrace drought-resistant practices and plant crops such as cassavas, cowpeas, and sweet potatoes to withstand the coming season,” Kyalo advised during a Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) meeting with county stakeholders in Machakos town.

He stressed that drought preparedness must start at the household level and extend to county-wide coordination to minimize impacts on agriculture, water supply, and livestock.

County to Roll Out Drought Mitigation Plans

County Drought Coordinator for the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), Alice Munyao, said the poor rains could force Machakos into an alert phase, activating the county’s drought contingency plan.

She warned that maize and other staple crops will not reach maturity and encouraged farmers to adopt dry planting, secure inputs early, and focus on water harvesting through rooftop and surface runoff collection.

Munyao added that vulnerable zones—Kinanie, Yatta, Athi River, Mwala, and Kola—are expected to face heightened food insecurity. “We will conduct a food security assessment to identify vulnerable families and map out areas requiring urgent support,” she said.

For livestock keepers, she advised timely destocking and the establishment of pasture nurseries for brachiaria and Napier grass, alongside expanded fodder production.

Farmers Speak Out

Local farmer Jeremiah Katulu, 70, from Katangi in Yatta, credited past forecasts for helping him harvest enough maize and beans last season to sustain his family. He said he is already preparing for the predicted dry spell.

“I believe in timely preparation. This season I will focus on drought-tolerant crops and I urge the county government to issue seeds early to support dry planting,” Katulu said.

The advisory signals a challenging season ahead for Machakos farmers, with county leaders and experts calling for swift action to cushion households against drought and safeguard food security.