Kenyans should brace for scorching sun and dust coats. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a forecast predicting a prolonged dry spell across most of the country this January, dashing hopes of early showers for farmers preparing their lands.

The outlook is particularly grim for the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where water pans are already drying up. While scattered showers may grace the Lake Victoria Basin and parts of Nairobi, the general picture is one of high temperatures and clear skies—a classic, biting "Njaanuary" weather pattern.

Sector Impacts

The forecast has triggered alarm bells in several key sectors:

• Agriculture: Farmers in the Rift Valley breadbasket are advised to delay planting or invest in irrigation. The lack of soil moisture could compromise the early crop cycle.
• Energy: Reduced rainfall means lower water levels in the Seven Forks dams. With hydro-power contributing significantly to the national grid, a prolonged dry spell raises the specter of higher electricity bills as the country turns to expensive thermal power.
• Health: The dusty conditions are expected to spike cases of respiratory infections and allergies in urban centers.

Climate Resilience

"This is the new normal," warned a climate expert at the University of Nairobi. "We are swinging from floods to droughts with zero transition." As the sun beats down, the government’s disaster preparedness—specifically water trucking and food relief—will once again be put to the test.