Over 1,000 Marsabit farmers to receive seeds as county steps up rainy season preparations.

By Moses Sabalua & Samuel Kosgei

More than 1,000 farmers in Marsabit County are set to receive seeds this week as the county government steps up preparations for the October–December (OND) rainy season, with additional measures targeting flooding, livestock fodder shortages and food insecurity.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Marsabit town organised by BBC Media Action to discuss strategies for mitigating the impact of the anticipated rains, Marsabit County Director of Agriculture Wato Denge Halakhe urged farmers to use certified seeds to improve crop yields.

Wato also announced that more than 20,000 seedlings would be distributed across the county to promote agroforestry and fruit tree farming.

He added that farmers were benefiting from subsidised land preparation services through partnerships between the county government and non-governmental organisations like World Food Program (WFP).

Meanwhile, the government says it is strengthening preparedness measures to address potential challenges associated with the anticipated rains.

Gadamoji Division Assistant County Commissioner Thomas Ngangi said drainage rehabilitation works were ongoing in Marsabit town to minimise the risk of flooding.

Ngangi said plans were also in place to conserve hay and fodder seeds to ensure adequate supplies for livestock, particularly during periods when herders face difficulties accessing pasture.

He added that measures had been put in place to safeguard food security, including efforts to ensure that residents requiring assistance receive food supplies.

National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) representative Joseph Kibara called on non-governmental organisations to coordinate with the authority when providing emergency assistance to avoid duplication and ensure resources reach those who need them.

Kenya Red Cross Society Marsabit County Branch Coordinator John Ibrae said the organisation had partnered with key stakeholders, including the Kenya Meteorological Department and local media, to disseminate weather advisories to communities across the county.

Kenya Meteorological Department Director for Marsabit County John Nguyo said the OND rainy season had begun in some parts of the county during the second week of October, particularly in sections of Saku and Moyale sub-counties.

Nguyo projected that the rains would begin in Laisamis and North Horr sub-counties between the third and fourth weeks of October.

He said Marsabit County had a 50 per cent probability of receiving above-average rainfall during the season, compared with a 35 per cent chance of near-average rainfall and a 15 per cent likelihood of below-average rainfall.

Nguyo cautioned that the intensity and distribution of the rains could be influenced by climate phenomena, including the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño.

“OND rains are a regular seasonal occurrence, but their intensity can be enhanced by El Niño or other climatic factors, such as the Madden–Julian Oscillation and atmospheric circulation patterns, which can either increase or suppress rainfall,” Nguyo said.