Analysis of Rainfall Trends and Periodicity in Ruiru Location, Kenya
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Date
2017-03
Authors
Nyakundi, R.
Mwangi, J
Makokha, M
Obiero, C
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications,
Abstract
Climate change is a serious issue in the world today with extreme weather conditions being experienced globally as
characterised by devastating floods and prolonged droughts. This has often led to destruction of property and loss of life. These
conditions are viewed as disasters requiring mitigation. Ruiru location being a peri-urban area has a lot of farming taking place and
increased population due to settlement. This has increased the demand for water as stream flow is decreasing and boreholes are drying,
with water scarcity prominent during droughts. Moreover during floods there is high surface runoff in the paved areas. The study
sought to determine rainfall trends across the year for 31 years if any in Ruiru location. Monthly rainfall data for 31 years (1984-2014)
obtained from four stations located within the location; Ting’ang’a, Ruiru mills, coffee research foundation and Doondu were used.
Graphs were constructed to show trends within months and years and statistical significance of the observed trends tested using a
linear regression model. Statistical analysis using Mann- Kendall, Spearman’s Rho, Linear Regression and Student’s t was employed
to determine the significant difference among the four stations. High annual mean rainfall of 170mm and low annual mean rainfall of
37 mm were observed. Mann- Kendall, Spearman’s Rho, Linear Regression and Student’s t showed no significant difference of
rainfall means between Ting’ang’a and Ruiru Mills stations, while the other stations were statistically insignificant. Linear regression
models showed an upward trend which was statistically insignificant in all the four stations. There was no significant trend across the
year for the past 31 years. The research findings will help in prediction of the occurrence of high and low rainfall amounts for proper
planning and water resources management.
Description
A Research Article in the International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications,
Keywords
Climate change, Linear regression, Periodicity, Rainfall, trends, Water resources
Citation
Nyakundi, R., Mwangi, J., Makokha, M., & Obiero, C. (2017). Analysis of Rainfall Trends and Periodicity in Ruiru Location, Kenya. Nternational J Sci Res Publ, 7, 28-39.