The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has issued a weather forecast indicating that 33 counties in Kenya will experience rainfall from September 29 to October 5, 2026. The forecast covers the last two days of September and the first five days of October. Several parts of the country are expected to receive rainfall as Kenya transitions into the October-November-December (OND) short-rain season.
According to Kenya Met, the counties expected to receive rainfall include Lamu, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Embu, Garissa, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Kisumu, Kitui, Laikipia, Machakos, Makueni, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, Bomet, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, and Wajir. The rainfall is expected to be enhanced in most parts of the country during the OND season.
Despite the expected rainfall, several counties are forecast to record high daytime temperatures above 30°C. These counties include Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Marsabit, and Turkana. Kenya Met has also forecast colder nights in some parts of the country, with night-time minimum average temperatures expected to fall below 10°C in parts of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Narok, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado counties.
The weekly forecast comes as Kenya enters the October–December (OND) rainfall season, commonly known as the short-rain season. Kenya Met has forecast above-average rainfall across most parts of the country during the 2026 OND season, with generally fair to good rainfall distribution. The department has urged people involved in construction and land development to consider weather and climate risks before undertaking projects.
Kenya Met has called for early preparedness to minimise the potential effects of extreme weather on people and property. The department has urged Kenyans to continue monitoring official weather updates and take early measures in areas that could experience enhanced rainfall and associated weather hazards. This warning comes as authorities prepare for possible displacement and flooding during the rainy season.
The onset of the rains will vary across the country, with some areas expected to receive rainfall in September, while most regions are likely to experience the onset between the second and fourth weeks of October. Kenya Met has emphasized the importance of planning land development and construction wisely by considering climate and weather risks.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has reiterated its call for Kenyans to take early action to reduce potential impacts on lives, property, and investments. By doing so, the country can minimise the effects of extreme weather and ensure a safe and prepared population as the OND rainfall season begins.
Key points
- 33 counties in Kenya are expected to experience rainfall from September 29 to October 5, 2026.
- Several counties will record high daytime temperatures above 30°C despite the expected rainfall.
- Kenya Met has forecast above-average rainfall across most parts of the country during the 2026 OND season.
