Farmers across Murang’a County are counting huge losses following poor rainfall during the ongoing planting season, heightening fears of food insecurity and rising food prices.
The short October–December rains that farmers rely on have been erratic and insufficient, drying up germinating crops just weeks after planting. Many farmers who had invested in maize, beans, and horticultural crops say their efforts have gone to waste as the soil has turned dry and hard, leaving withered plants in the fields.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, Central Kenya is experiencing below-average rainfall, a trend that could worsen if the dry spell persists. Farmers were advised to grow drought-tolerant crops such as millet and green grams, but many had already planted by the time the rains disappeared.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, Central Kenya is experiencing below-average rainfall, a trend that could worsen if the dry spell persists. Farmers were advised to grow drought-tolerant crops such as millet and green grams, but many had already planted by the time the rains disappeared.
Small-scale farmer Julius Maina from Maragua said he had planted maize and beans after the first showers, only for his young crops to dry up days later.
“The crops sprouted well, but the rains disappeared. Now the soil has completely dried, and I’ll have to buy new seeds if the rains return,” he lamented.
In Kiharu, Sarah Njeri, who invested over Ksh30,000 in tomato and capsicum farming, said the dry spell has devastated her project.
“Tomatoes need consistent watering, and I rely solely on rainfall. Irrigation is too costly for small farmers like me,” she said.
In Kimorori, horticultural farmer David Mwangi said nearly all his avocado and passion fruit seedlings planted during Mazingira Day have dried up despite efforts to water them.
“The sun has been too harsh. Even watering doesn’t help much,” he added.
Murang’a County Director of Meteorology Peter Karanja confirmed that rainfall levels remain below average and warned that if the situation continues, crop yields especially maize, beans, and vegetables will drop sharply.
Agricultural officers have urged farmers to consult extension experts, adopt water conservation techniques, and consider short-season, drought-tolerant crops to minimize losses.
Local experts have warned that the ongoing dry spell could not only cut harvests but also push up food prices, further straining household budgets already under pressure from the high cost of living.
“Many families in Murang’a depend on small farms for food and income. When crops fail, they face hunger and economic hardship,” said agricultural officer Michael Mwaniki.
Normally, the short rains between October and December sustain most of the county’s crops before the long rains arrive in March. But with weather patterns shifting unpredictably, farmers fear an even tougher season ahead.
