Journal of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences (JEAS). Wakachala et al., 2015. Volume 5: 17-26
Open Access – Research Article
Statistical Patterns of Rainfall Variability in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya
Francis M. Wakachala 1, Zablon W. Shilenje 1,*, John Nguyo 1, Saumu Shaka 1, William Apondo1,2
1Â Kenya Meteorological Departments, P.O. Box 30259-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
2 Moi University, P. O. Box 3900-30100 Eldoret, Kenya
Abstract: Most economic activities like crop farming, livestock keeping, hydro-energy generation, transport, tourism, and other climate dependent sectors rely heavily on rainfall patterns in Kenya and the Great Rift Valley. In this study we examine rainfall patterns, long-term trends and variability in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya (06° 00’N to 03° 00’S and 38°.00-34.00’E) for the period ranging from 1950 to 2011. The study utilizes monthly rainfall data obtained from Kenya Meteorological Department for six synoptic stations in the region. The study examines the changing trends and variation of rainfall using statistical methods. Results indicate depressed rainfall in some stations while others showed increased rainfall activities. Difference between two means and comparison between two variances of equal sample data is carried out and shows changing trends in rainfall at seasonal and annual scales in all six stations of Great Rift Valley. Test for significance showed significant changes, thus showing climate change signals in rainfall patterns. Stations in arid and semi-arid areas had high percentage of variability with stations in the central rift having least percentage in variability. In conclusion, study observes a decreasing trend in annual rainfall during March-April-May season and high variability within seasons.
Keywords: Rainfall, Climate Change, Climate Variability, Rift Valley, Kenya
*Corresponding authors: Zablon W. Shilenje:zablonweku@yahoo.com
Cite this article as: Wakachala, F.M., Z.W. Shilenje, J. Nguyo, S. Shaka and W. Apondo. 2015. Statistical Patterns of Rainfall Variability in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. Journal of Environmental & Agricultural Sciences. 5:17-26. View Full-Text Citations Title: Statistical Patterns of Rainfall Variability in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya Authors: Francis M. Wakachala, Zablon W. Shilenje, John Nguyo, Saumu Shaka and William Apondo Pages: 17-26
Copyright © Wakachala et al., 2015. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium provided the original author and source are appropriately cited and credited.
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