Farmers in Nyamira County have been urged to prepare their farms in anticipation of the El Nino rains expected by the second or third week of October.
Speaking in his office on Monday, County Agriculture Officer James Monyenye said although the El Nino phenomenon had dire consequences, the same can be used to reap benefits.
“During the last El Niño rains experienced in 1997-98, the damage was massive with the roads being rendered impassable.However, farmers in the arid areas realised bumper harvests. Pasture and water improved greatly as well enhancing livestock production,” Monyenye said.
The officer also advised farmers and residents to ensure that they return home early adding that in the past, people have drowned while trying to cross swollen rivers or gullies during the rains.
This comes at a time when the national and county governments have jointly set up a steering committee mandated to come up with a contingency plan for the expected rains.
The committee has been formed to make sure that the heavy rains get the residents prepared.
Currently, there are ongoing projects to build up foot bridges in areas that have previously experienced floods in Nyamira county.