Kenyans who depend on the sea need to be extra careful over the next few days. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning of strong winds over the coastal waters, and in some areas the gusts could be even stronger than usual. For fishers, boat owners and anyone who goes out on the water, this is not a warning to ignore.
In its Friday advisory, the department said the winds will blow from the east-south-east and south-south-west directions. Their speed will vary a lot, from about four knots to as high as 24 knots, which is roughly two to twelve metres every second. That kind of wind can quickly turn calm water into something rough, and the weather office has said the sea could range from light to rough. In a few places where the winds are strongest and the waves get higher, the sea could become very rough.
Anyone who has spent time on Kenyan waters knows how fast the mood of the ocean can change. Strong winds push up big waves, and those waves make it hard to steer a boat, especially far from the shore where there is nowhere to hide. Small boats are the most at risk. A small wooden boat or a motorised canoe can easily lose balance when the waves hit from the side, and passengers and crew can be thrown into the water. That is why the department is pleading with boat owners to think twice before going out.
The advisory covers both the coastal and offshore waters, but the department was clear that conditions will not be the same everywhere. The strength of the wind and the height of the waves will depend on the local area. This means a fisher who goes out in one place may have a smooth ride, while another, just a few kilometres away, may face a much rougher sea. Nobody should assume the weather will be the same as it was yesterday.
The Met office is asking fishers, mariners and anyone using the sea to take extra precautions, especially those heading to areas that are expected to see rough to very rough conditions. Before leaving the shore, people should check the latest marine forecast, make sure their life jackets are in good shape, and tell family or friends where they are going and when they expect to return. If the sea looks bad when you get there, it is always better to turn back than to take a chance.
Kenya Met also urged the maritime community to stay alert and keep following official marine weather updates as the situation develops. The department said more advisories could follow if the winds change or get stronger.
The warning is a precaution, meant to help those working at sea make smart decisions about their trips and protect their lives and their vessels. For many families along the coast, the sea is a source of daily bread, so taking this warning seriously is one of the best ways to keep it that way.
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