Editor's Review

Kenya Met said that rainfall is expected over several parts of the country with isolated storms.

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority has issued a weather forecast predicting rainfall in 40 counties between October 16 and 23.

In a weekly forecast published on Friday, October 16, Kenya Met said that rainfall is expected over several parts of the country.

Some of the counties set to receive rain include Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, and Nakuru.

Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia and Nyandarua counties also expect to experience rainy conditions.

"Rainfall is also expected in some parts of Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Narok, Nairobi, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale counties. Isolated storms might be experienced," the Weatherman reported.

Read More

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A photo of vehicles going through floodwaters after heavy downpour in Nairobi.

More rainfall is expected in Western Kenya and the South Rift regions, while the North Eastern part of the country will remain relatively dry.

Earlier, the KMSA clarified that El Niño does not automatically bring heavy rainfall, as questions continue over when the long-awaited rains will arrive.

It explained that El Niño refers to unusually warm ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, and it is not a measure of the rain that falls in Kenya.

According to the authority, El Niño is only one of several factors that shape the country's rainfall.

"It can work with, or against, other factors (such as the Indian Ocean, winds and weather patterns). Sometimes they reinforce each other, and other times they reduce the impact," it said.

It listed those other drivers as the Indian Ocean, winds, weather systems and local factors. When El Niño combines with them, KMSA said, more rain is likely in some cases, while in others less rain is possible.

For the foregoing reason, the authority said it is closely monitoring how the different drivers are evolving and interacting. It stressed the importance of continuous monitoring

KMSA also said some parts of the country have already started receiving rainfall.