Kenya County Drought Status

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, destructiveHint=false, idempotentHint=true. The description adds value by stating the data source (NDMA) and that data is DEMO, which is helpful context beyond annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is highly concise: four short sentences that front-load the purpose, then add phase meaning, data source, and demo warning. No unnecessary words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With an output schema, return values are covered. The description explains data source, demo nature, and suggests an alternative for real-time data. Missing minor details like case sensitivity of counties, but overall adequate for a simple read-only tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds example county names (Turkana, Garissa, Nairobi) and mentions language options (en/sw), which helps parameter understanding beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool retrieves the current NDMA drought phase for any of Kenya's 47 counties, specifies the meaning of phases (1=Minimal, etc.), and distinguishes itself from sibling tools like kenya_budget_summary or kenya_counties_list by focusing on drought data.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explicitly notes that the data is DEMO and suggests using ndma.go.ke for real-time data, providing clear guidance on when to use this tool versus an alternative source.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.