NAIROBI, Kenya – The country is set to experience an earlier-than-usual long rains season, with some regions receiving rainfall as early as February, the Kenya Meteorological Department has announced.
Met Director General Dr. David Gikungu said on Wednesday that the March-May (MAM) 2025 season will extend into June in most parts of the country.
The forecast comes amid ongoing heavy downpours in Nairobi and other areas, signaling the onset of a potentially intense wet season.
According to the Met Department, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Highlands West of the Rift Valley will receive above-average rainfall, starting in February and peaking in April and May.
🌧️ MAM 2025 Rainfall Outlook Released! The Director of Kenya Meteorological Department (@MeteoKenya) has issued the March-April-May (MAM 2025) rainfall outlook: 🔹 Below-average rainfall expected in several parts of the country, especially Northeastern Kenya. 🔹 Near to…
This includes counties such as Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Busia, Siaya, Narok, Bomet, and Kericho, among others.
In Central and North Rift Valley regions—Nakuru, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, and parts of West Pokot—rainfall will also arrive early, beginning in February.
Nairobi and counties in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, and Embu, will have a delayed onset, with rainfall expected between late March and April.
Meanwhile, the South Eastern Lowlands (Kajiado, Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni) will see sporadic rains in February, followed by a dry spell before the season kicks in towards the end of March.
The North Coast region and parts of the North Eastern counties, including Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, and Marsabit, will receive their first rains in April.
The Met Department has advised Kenyans to stay updated with short-term forecasts, including 24-hour, five-day, and monthly weather updates, to better prepare for potential storms in some areas.
With the shifting rainfall patterns, experts warn of possible flooding in some regions and prolonged dry spells in others, underscoring the need for preparedness, especially in agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster response.
