There have been predictions regarding El Niño Kenya. Subsequent to 1997, there were other El Nino events in 2002-03, 2006-07 and 2009-10. The metrological confirms a big El Nino will hit Kenya but says it will be as adverse as the 1997 and is likely to take place between November 2015 and January 2016

Kenya has been doing preparation regarding the El Niño by unblocking the drainage systems. The challenge is that various politicians have also politicised the issues of El Niño.

Preparations have been made but to me I think more can be done in terms of improvement of the monitoring system and making the data available to the citizens.

Given the above forecast, many sectors are likely to be impacted either positively or negatively. With adequate preparations, the country can take advantage of the positive impact.

Some of the threats are-

•             Farmers should be aware of diseases prevalence due to high moisture levels. This will finally lead to increased postharvest losses.

•             Problems related to water-borne diseases is likely to occur.

•             Lightning will be present. Need to install lightning arrestors.

•             Transport interference. Aircrafts and road

•             Excess rain will interfere with hydroelectric power generation.

Opportunity

•             Regeneration of Foliage and pasture in some of the dry areas in Kenya.

•             A season for planting trees since rain will be available.

•             Since water will be available, they will be increased hydroelectric power.

Way forward

•             Proper storm drainage systems are of essential.

•             Make the information and data accessible to the general public. Mapped areas of risk.

•             Come up with a real-time monitoring system that a community id able to use well.

.2. Fourth anniversary of Professor Wangari Maathai

On 25 September 2015 was the fourth anniversary of the passing Professor Wangari Maathai. The march started at 9 am with a walk from Jevanjee Garden to Uhuru Park freedoms corner. The match made the streets of Nairobi come to stand still. The march was intended to encourage communities to raise their voices on climate change.

Upon arrival at freedoms corner, the Green Belt Movement Executive Director gave her speech and thanked all those who had attended the march. She talked about the work that Prof Wangari Mathai had done and her various philosophies. In Kenya Wangari Mathai is well known due to her works. She protected Karura forest from investors who wanted to cut down the trees and construct houses. She resisted the construction of a building at Uhuru Park.

Other guests who were at the event were Prof Vertistine Mbaya, H.E Tatsushi Terada and Prof. Judi Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources whose speech was delivered by Mr. Gideon Gathara,

On September 24, 2015, there was a filming at PAWA 254 in Nairobi was on  ?Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai?.The panellist was Wanjira Mathai of the Wangari Maathai Foundation and  Aisha Karanja, the Green Belt Movement?s Executive Director.

ABOUT THE FILM

This was a Story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai whose act of growing trees grew into a nationwide movement and having a global impact.

0n 26 Septemeber 2015.Family day out

As we were still in the marked the fourth anniversary of the passing of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Professor Wangari Maathai. There was a family day out that was organised at Karura Forest in Kenya. In ordinary days, one has to pay but on this day the entrance was free. On the fun day, we had exhibitions music and space where people could play and interact. Students from different universities come in large numbers to enjoy the day.