GEO Week 10: Extreme Weather

 Extreme Weather of Kenya: Drought & Flooding

     The climate of Kenya is generally sunny, dry and temperate. The country experiences two rainy seasons per year; masika lasts from the middle of March to May - this is the period with the heaviest rains, vuli is a short period of rain lasting from November to December. The country experiences a prolonged dry season that extends from May to October. Kenya's climate is one of extremes with lengthy droughts punctuated by periods of intense rain. Climate change continues to force these periods to intensify, drought periods grow longer, dryer & hotter while periods of rain decrease in length or increase in severity causing disastrous flooding. Clean drinking water is scarce in Kenya, roughly forty-three percent of the population do not have access to clean water. The increasing severity rain  periods within the country may do more harm than good in some places as the flood waters can contaminate precious water sources.

Climate change and drought in Northern Kenya 

Proposed Solutions According to the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Published by the Government of Kenya:

  •  Water resources management: Installation of new hydro-metric monitoring systems in surface water & groundwater sources. Construction of stations to collect records and monitor data in regard to the hydro-metric monitoring systems.
  • Construction of dams capable of storing large quantities of water, with intent to to establish a stable water supply for domestic usage, livestock and irrigation.
  • Expansion of water sanitation systems to meet demands of coastal towns. Update/Construct infrastructure to facilitate coverage of urban water supply sanitation in satellite towns surrounding major cities.

Sources:

 

Kenya Weather & Climate, www.nathab.com/know-before-you-go/african-safaris/east-africa/kenya/average-temperature-rainfall. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.

Marshall, Samantha. “The Water Crisis in Kenya: Causes, Effects and Solutions.” American.Edu, www.american.edu/cas/economics/ejournal/upload/marshall_accessible.pdf. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.


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