Kenya’s Meteorological Department has warned that Cyclone Idai, which has wreaked havoc in several southern African countries, could affect the onset of long rains in Kenya.

Most parts of the country are currently experiencing dry conditions.

“Seasonal rainfall onset was expected in March over most parts of the country. However, sunny and dry weather conditions are likely to persist over the better part of the country and more so the eastern sector of the country and north-western Kenya,” the agency has said in a statement posted on Twitter.

"The season constitutes an important rainfall season in Kenya and more so in the Western, Rift Valley and Central regions."

"This seasonal rainfall highly impacts on the agricultural sector and hence food security in the country," the statement adds.

Some parts of the country in the north and north-eastern regions have been badly affected by the ongoing drought.

Deputy President William Ruto today announced the government has released $10m (£7m) to mitigate the effects of the drought that has affected 865,000 people in 13 counties.