Residents of Marakwet West sub-county have welcomed the return of rainfall after a prolonged dry spell, saying the showers have renewed hopes of improved water availability, pasture regeneration and better agricultural production.

The dry season left many households, particularly those depending on farming and livestock keeping, facing dwindling water sources and pasture, with residents forced to look into alternative sources of water for domestic use and livestock.

The onset of the rains has, however, brought relief to residents, who are now preparing their farms for planting while livestock farmers look forward to pasture regeneration and replenished water sources.

Josephat Kirias, a farmer from Sisiya, said the dry period had affected crop production and made it difficult for households to access adequate water.

“The dry season has been challenging for farmers because water sources reduced considerably and the pasture for livestock also became scarce. The rains have now given us hope that our farms will recover and that we can begin preparing for the next planting season,” he said.

Another resident, Peter Rono from Sinon, said the rains were particularly important to livestock keepers who had been travelling long distances in search of water and pasture.

“Our animals have suffered because pasture was drying up and some water points had very little water. We are happy to see the rains returning because this will help regenerate pasture and restore water sources. We hope the rains will be well distributed,” he said.

For Jael Jeruto, a trader from Kapsowar, the changing weather is also expected to improve economic activities in the area as farmers resume production.

“When farmers have water and produce from their farms, the entire local economy benefits. Traders get business, livestock owners have something to sell, and households have food. We are therefore hopeful that the rains will bring better times for the community,” he said.

However, Raymond Chelang’aa, a resident of Kapcherop, urged residents not to take the expected rains for granted, saying communities should prepare for both the benefits and possible risks associated with heavy rainfall.

“We welcome the rains, but we should also be prepared. People living near steep slopes and areas prone to flooding need to be cautious, while farmers should use the rainfall wisely by planting crops and fodder and conserving water,” he said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall in parts of Elgeyo Marakwet during the current period, while its October-December 2026 outlook projects above average rainfall in the county. The season is also expected to feature prolonged wet spells and occasional isolated storms.

The forecast has raised both optimism and the need for preparedness among residents, particularly in areas vulnerable to landslides, flooding and disruption of roads during heavy rainfall. County authorities have also urged residents in vulnerable areas to take precautionary measures ahead of the expected rains.

For farmers in Marakwet West, the immediate priority is to take advantage of the rainfall by preparing their farms, planting appropriate crops, conserving water and establishing fodder for livestock.

Residents said they hoped the rains would continue steadily and be adequately distributed across the sub-county, helping communities recover from the effects of the dry season.

by Rennish Okong’o