The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has forecast above-average rainfall across large parts of the country during the October-November-December (OND) 2026 season.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 26, KMSA said the forecast indicates that above-average rainfall is expected in Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, and Laikipia.
Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Siaya, Taita-Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and Wajir will also be affected.
According to KMSA, much of West Pokot, Samburu and Marsabit is also expected to receive above-average rainfall, while Turkana and some parts of West Pokot, Samburu and Marsabit are forecast to receive near-average to above-average rainfall.
KMSA said the OND season is particularly important for parts of eastern and northeastern Kenya, where it contributes more than 40 per cent of annual rainfall.
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The affected areas include Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Makueni, Kitui, Taita-Taveta and Machakos, as well as parts of Kajiado and Tana River.
KMSA expects rainfall during the OND season to be fairly to well distributed across several parts of the country, although Turkana and Samburu are expected to experience poorer distribution.
"The OND 2026 rainfall is expected to be fairly to well distributed, both in time and space, over several parts of the country, except over Turkana and Samburu where the distribution is likely to be poor to fair.
"This season will be marked by prolonged wet spells and occasional isolated storms over several parts of the country," the statement read.
The forecast shows that rainfall in western Kenya will continue from September and extend into January.
This includes Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Narok.
In Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi and Nairobi, the rains are expected to begin between the second and third weeks of October and continue into January.
Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta and inland parts of Tana River are expected to receive the rains from the third to fourth week of October, with the season continuing into January.
At the Coast, Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu, Kilifi and the Tana Delta are expected to receive the OND rains from the second to third week of October.
Turkana and Samburu are expected to have a later onset, between the third and fourth weeks of October, with cessation expected in the first week of December.
Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo are expected to receive rainfall from the second to third week of October, with cessation between the first and second weeks of December.
KMSA said the onset, distribution and cessation dates will continue to be updated as the season approaches.
"Updates on the onset, distribution, and cessation of rainfall will be provided regularly through weekly, monthly forecasts as the season approaches. These updates will offer detailed insights into any changes and developments in rainfall patterns to keep stakeholders informed and support timely decision-making," the statement added.
This comes days after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) commenced drainage improvement works as part of preparations for the expected El Niño rains.
In a statement on Thursday, August 20, the agency said the works are targeting stormwater management challenges and have begun along the James Gichuru Road Junction.
"Such improvements have begun in earnest along the James Gichuru Road Junction - JKIA A8/B10 Corridor to address stormwater management challenges affecting the highway drainage system," the statement read.
According to KeNHA, the initiative follows discussions between KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, concerning the connection of stormwater drainage from the Parliament Building to the highway drainage system.
"The initiative follows discussions between KeNHA Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, regarding the connection of stormwater drainage from the Parliament Building to the highway system," the statement added.
KeNHA said the drainage works form part of a wider capacity enhancement, landscaping and beautification project being undertaken along the corridor.
"The works, being undertaken as part of the ongoing capacity enhancement, landscaping, and beautification project, will improve stormwater management, protect road infrastructure, and support safe, efficient, and sustainable road transport," the statement concluded.
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