Farmers in Murang’a County are grappling with poor rainfall this season, leaving crops like maize, beans, and horticultural produce struggling to survive. In Kamahuha, a traditionally high-yield area, crops remain weak at knee height, raising fears of poor harvests.
Many smallholders invested heavily in seeds, fertilizers, and labour, but the sudden drop in precipitation threatens their livelihoods. “I planted my entire farm expecting normal rains. If they don’t return, I may lose everything,” said Jane Wanjiru, a local farmer.
The Kenya Meteorological Department warned in October that the October–December rains might be below average, citing changing regional weather patterns affecting Central Kenya. Murang’a County Director of Meteorology, Peter Karanja, stressed that below-average rainfall could worsen food insecurity if the trend continues.
Agricultural experts urge farmers to adopt drought-tolerant crops, water conservation techniques such as mulching, and rainwater harvesting. However, small-scale farmers face challenges implementing these strategies effectively. “Maize and horticultural crops could experience stunted growth or total failure if dry conditions persist,” noted agronomist Lawrence Njuguna.
Residents remain hopeful for rainfall in the coming weeks to salvage at least part of their harvests. Reduced yields may not only impact household incomes but also push up local food prices, further straining communities reliant on farming.
