Editor's Review

"We do apologize for the miscommunication because that was a big mistake and we are sorry."

Kenya Meteorological Department Director David Gikungu has announced that the ongoing rain season in the country is El Nino.

Speaking on Friday, November 10 during a press briefing at the office of the Deputy President, Gikungu apologized for miscommunication over the rains terming it a big mistake.

He asked Kenyans to prepare for enhanced rainfall as a result of the El Nino phenomenon.

“I want to point out that as initially given in the forecast we have El Nino in this short rain season 2023 and we do apologize for the miscommunication because that was a big mistake and we are sorry. moving forward let us prepare for the enhanced rainfall as a result of the El Nino phenomenon that we are in,” said Gikungu.

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File image of David Gikungu.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua confirmed the El Nino rains noting that more than 19 counties have been affected by the heavy rains.

Gachagua also stated that efforts are currently going on to document missing people and property destroyed.

“Efforts are ongoing on the documentation of missing persons, livestock lost and crops destroyed to the enhanced rains we will be making this data public once confirmed,” said Gachagua.

The DP went on to say the government has taken a raft of measures to reduce the negative impact of the rains including the deployment of aircrafts by KDF for the evacuation of families to safer grounds.

Gachagua further said the government will distribute food such as maize rice beans cooking oils and non-food items to families affected by the rains.

“I take this opportunity to assure the nation that all necessary resources will be deployed to ensure safety security and comfort for our people and their property,” he added.

The clarification comes weeks after President William Ruto said Kenya will not experience the El Nino rains. 

Speaking on October 22, Ruto said the country will only experience short rains that will not necessarily cause devastating impacts to farmers.

"You see the department has now said there will be no El-Nino, we will only have significant rains, which is even better for us to get to our farms and produce more," Ruto said.