The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has dismissed the possibility of snow falling in Kenya, saying the country is so close to the equator.
Social media was awash on Wednesday with images of a white substance that many referred to as snow, which was experienced in Laikipia County.
However, according to the weatherman, the experienced substance in Nyahururu was was ‘intense hailstones’.
“We cannot have snow in Kenya because of how close we are to the Equator. It was hailstones that fell with such intensity that theystayed long on the ground,” said Peter Ambeje, the chief executive officer at KMD.
Ayub Shaka, an assistant director at KMD, said the convergence of the Western and Eastern winds led to the hailstorm.
According to Shaka, this is not the first time this has happened. Three years ago, Nyahururu experienced a hailstorm that disrupted activities in the area.
The hailstones left many farmers counting losses, after they destroyed crops in the area on Tuesday night.
Some Kenyans took to social media to express their joy for experiencing what they termed as snow.
Never in My life have I ever witnessed snow in Kenya!!Today be hold @Disembe @CNN In Nyahururu #RailaInKiambu#RealityofClimatechangeinKenya
@Jonimost We have snow in Kenya #Nyahururu