Kenya Met Warns Of Heavy Rains And Strong Winds In 30+ Counties

The Kenya Meteorological Service (KMS) has issued a weekly weather forecast predicting widespread rainfall across multiple regions of the country between October 9 and October 16, 2026, with warnings of isolated storms in select areas.

According to the weatherman, rainfall is expected across a broad swath of counties, including:

• Northeastern & Coastal Regions: Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale.

• Western, Lake Victoria Basin & Rift Valley: Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, and Trans Nzoia.

• Central Highlands & Eastern: Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Narok, and Nairobi.

The meteorological department cautioned that while precipitation levels will vary across counties, localized heavy storms remain a possibility. Additionally, strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots are expected over parts of Turkana, Samburu, and Marsabit counties.

El Niño and Regional Outlook

The forecast aligns with earlier warnings from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which noted that a strengthening El Niño phenomenon is expected to bring wetter-than-normal conditions to the Greater Horn of Africa during the final quarter of 2026.

While the October–December short rains are vital for agricultural productivity, livestock pasture, and water reserves, heavy downpours carry significant risks of flash flooding, mudslides, crop damage, and transport disruptions.

In response, the Kenyan government has activated national disaster response protocols, placing emergency management teams, evacuation centers, and relief supplies on standby. Public safety agencies have advised residents in low-lying areas, river basins, and flood-prone zones to stay updated on official weather advisories and exercise caution.