Most parts of the country will receive improved rains for the rest of the month. Weathermen yesterday said the resurgent rains will spread countrywide but will be interrupted by sunny intervals within the month.

The month-long forecast shows most places will receive near-average rainfall, except North Eastern where rains will be depressed and poorly distributed.

This will ease the current drought and improve electricity supply. "April is the peak month of the long rains season. The rain-bearing belt traverses the country from South to North during the month," said director of meteorological services Dr Joseph Mukabana.

He said Western Kenya will experience slightly enhanced rainfall while Northern Kenya will receive poor rains. Improved rains returned to many parts of the country two weeks ago.

Mukabana said the entire country recorded poor rains last month. "Indeed, Moyale, Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Msabaha and Mtwapa stations recorded no rainfall at all throughout the month of March," he said.

He attributed this to ongoing effects of the dry La Nina phenomenon coupled with lower sea temperatures near the East African coast."These temperature patterns weakened the rainfall generating mechanism that led to depressed rainfall over most parts of the country," Mukabana said in a statement.

Some stations however received above normal rainfall. These include Kericho, Kakamega, Machakos, Kitale, Thika, Kisii, Narok and Nakuru.

Yesterday, Met said La Ni-a will still affect the rain this month and farmers should work closely with agricultural extension officers to work out the best farming methods.

According to the monthly forecast, Western highlands, which include Kitale, Kericho, Eldoret, Kakamega and Lake Victoria areas of Kisumu, Kisii and Busia will receive slightly above average rainfall.

Central Kenya areas including Nyeri, Embu, Meru and Nairobi will suffer a similar fate with Garissa and Marsabit, Moyale and North Horr. The rains are expected to end of next month in most parts of the country.