Women In Siaya Turn Weather Update Into Daily Work Tool
Across Kenya, changing weather patterns have become an everyday struggle for families. Rainfall no longer follows predictable seasons, heatwaves strike without warning, and sudden storms disrupt travel, markets, and farming. At the center of these challenges are women, mothers, small-scale farmers, traders, and household managers. Their daily activities depend heavily on the weather, yet they remain among the least likely to access or use formal weather information.
For many women, weather information is more than a forecast it is a guide for survival. It determines when crops are planted, how food is stored, where water is found, and even when children can safely walk to school. As climate events grow increasingly unpredictable, timely and accurate weather updates have become essential in reducing the risks families face each day.
One such woman is Patricia Atieno, a businesswoman in Ugunja Market.
“My name is Patricia Atieno. I sell groundnuts, milk, sugar and rice here in Ugunja. I normally listen to weather updates on Tembea Radio, and it really helps me. When I leave for work in the morning, I always wait for the weather report first. If they say it will rain, I don’t carry all my stock to the display area. If there is no rain, I bring everything out. It even helps me decide how to dress for the day,” she says.
Her experience reflects a wider trend. When I traveled to Siaya, I met Mr. Dominic Arodi, the County Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department in Siaya. He confirmed that the number of women using weather forecasts is rising.
“Most women nowadays embrace scientific weather forecasts. We receive different calls from women seeking updates. A good example is a lady from Ulafu who plants cassava. She calls every planting season for weather information to guide her. When we are invited for radio discussions, women actively participate,” Arod says.
He adds that women’s groups specially those involved in tree planting have even added him to their WhatsApp groups. Through these platforms, he sends them regular updates and answers their questions to help them understand the forecasts better.
On the second day of searching for women who use weather updates, I travelled to Ujwanga, where I met Florence, a farmer who has seen the difference that accurate forecasts can make.
“In the old days, we just looked at the sky and guessed when the rains would come,” she recalls. “We planted millet because it could survive long dry spells. But now we listen to Tembea Radio, where experts tell us when the rains will start, what amount to expect, and even which seeds to plant. This OND season they guided us well, and by the look of things, we might have a good harvest.”
To understand how weather information is shared beyond radio broadcasts, I also spoke with Evanice Odipo, an agricultural officer in Ugunja Ward.
“We work closely with the Kenya Meteorological Department. They send us updates, which we analyze and share with farmers, especially during meetings like chief barazas where many women attend. Most women rely on these sessions because they are deeply involved in farming,” he says.
Across Siaya, weather updates delivered through radio, SMS, and WhatsApp groups have become part of daily routines. They help women plan farming activities, organize household chores, manage their businesses, and make decisions that protect their families.
Still, experts warn that more needs to be done. Not everyone can access or interpret weather information correctly. Increasing local language broadcasts, expanding training sessions, and strengthening outreach could help close the gap.
The skies may remain unpredictable in Siaya but women are no longer caught by surprise.
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