NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has warned of a week of mixed weather conditions, with heavy rainfall forecast in Nairobi, parts of the Central Highlands, western Kenya, and the Coast, while northern arid and semi-arid regions remain mostly dry.
In its weekly forecast for September 16–22, the department said most of the country will experience sunny and dry conditions, but several regions could see rainfall heavy enough to disrupt farming, transport, and daily routines.
Western Kenya and Lake Victoria Basin
Counties including Kakamega, Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, and Kericho are expected to record between 20mm and 70mm of rainfall, with heavier downpours in some areas raising the risk of flash floods.
Central Highlands and Rift Valley
Moderate rains of 10mm to 50mm are forecast in Nakuru, Bomet, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Embu.
Areas around the Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya may receive over 70mm, potentially causing localised flooding and landslides.
Coastal Counties
Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Tana River counties will see widespread rainfall, with some areas—particularly southern Kwale and parts of Kilifi—likely to exceed 100mm.
Residents in low-lying and poorly drained areas have been urged to take precautions against possible flooding.
North-eastern and Eastern Kenya
Light to moderate rainfall, mostly below 20mm, is expected in Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Kitui, and Makueni.
Some pockets could receive up to 50mm, offering relief to pastoral communities facing water shortages.
Northern and ASAL Regions
Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, and parts of Isiolo will remain largely dry, with minimal rainfall below 10mm. Water scarcity challenges are expected to persist despite occasional scattered showers.
KMD also cautioned that heavy rains in highland areas such as Kericho, Nyandarua, and Murang’a could cause road disruptions and mudslides.
Farmers in wetter regions are encouraged to make use of the rainfall for short-term crops.
Temperatures and Winds
Daytime highs above 30°C are forecast in coastal, north-eastern, and north-western regions, while chilly nights with lows below 10°C are expected in the Central Highlands, Central Rift Valley, and areas around Mount Kilimanjaro.
Strong southerly to south-easterly winds exceeding 25 knots will affect the Coast, Kenya’s territorial waters, and parts of the south-east, north-east, and north-west.
The department urged communities in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and local authorities to strengthen preparedness measures.
Members of the public were advised to monitor daily forecasts for updates, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
Last week, the highest 24-hour rainfall recorded was 67.3mm at Khalaba Station in Bungoma, while Mandera registered the highest daily maximum temperature at 38.6°C. The coldest night was in Nyahururu, which dropped to 6.1°C.
