Farmers Warned of Delayed Rains As Met Department Releases April Rainfall Chart
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned farmers that April rains will remain significantly suppressed in the early days of the month, before improving later in the month.
According to the weatherman, farmers across Kenya risk losing their crops if they plant too early this month.
The department has warned that April rains will remain significantly suppressed during the first two weeks before improving later.
“April 2026 is expected to mark the peak of the long rains season, though rainfall will be slightly depressed during the first half of the month and enhanced towards the end,” stated Kenya Met.
The caution is contained in the department’s Monthly Agrometeorological Bulletin for April 2026, released on April 4, which paints a mixed picture of the long rains season and outlines what farmers should expect countrywide this month.
From this bulletin, near-average rainfall is expected over the Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi, Laikipia, Busia, Migori, Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay, and offering reasonable prospects for most high-potential farming zones once the rains finally settle in.
Moreover, soil moisture is expected to remain moderate in early April but will improve steadily as rains intensify toward the month-end, with high moisture levels in the Highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, and Rift Valley also raising waterlogging concerns.
Counties such as Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu face a different challenge entirely.
Lower soil moisture and localised stress are projected in these areas, making water harvesting and conservation not just advisable but essential for crop survival.
Farmers in wetter, high-rainfall areas are being told to reinforce drainage systems now, before heavier storms arrive.
Waterlogging and root damage are real risks in the Highlands and Lake Victoria Basin as end-of-month rains intensify.
Pest and disease pressure is also rising. The department warns that increased humidity will likely trigger outbreaks of crop pests and fungal diseases.
They urged farmers to scout their fields regularly and act early when outbreaks are detected.
ALSO READ:
- KMTC Announces Fresh Guidelines On Student Deferment, Course Change & Transfers
- EMBU: Autopsy Reveals How Hospital Protestors Died, Bullets Recovered
- Top Diplomats Exchange Blows Inside Nairobi Embassy, Investigations Underway
- “Do Not Use Excessive Force!” – Police Warned Ahead Of Fuel Protests
- Huduma Kenya Announces Major Service Disruptions at GPO Centre
“Farmers should align planting with the improving rains, weed crops, ensure good drainage in wetter areas, and practice water conservation in drier regions,” urged Kenya Met.
Flooding is another concern this month. Areas already hit by flooding in March remain on high alert, as the bulletin explicitly warns that renewed flooding is possible as the heavier late-April rains begin.
“There is also a need to stay alert for storms, flooding, and pest or disease outbreaks and use regular weather updates to guide farm activities,” stressed Kenya Met.
Kenya Met is urging all farmers, regardless of region, to rely on short-term weather forecasts to guide daily farm decisions as the country navigates what is shaping up to be an uneven but consequential long rains season.
Farmers Warned of Delayed Rains As Met Department Releases Rainfall April Chart
