… The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast enhanced rainfall across most parts of the country, with the El Niño phenomenon and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole expected to intensify the rains. …
… The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) will continue monitoring the evolving weather situation and issuing forecasts and advisories to guide preparedness and response at national and county levels. …
Audio By VocalizeNakuru and Bomet counties remain on high alert following a warning from the Kenya Meteorological Department about heavy El Niño rainfall from October through December 2026. …
… f transport and essential services, infrastructure damage and displacement of vulnerable households. “The Government has stepped up preparedness measures ahead of the onset of the October-November-December (OND) 2026 rain season,” Wahong’o said.The Kenya Meteorological Department …
… He said their plans are coordinated by the National Disaster Operations Centre in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Kenya Meteorological Department, National Drought Management Authority, the Kenya Red Cross Society, sector ministries, and County Governments. …
… The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast a high likelihood of above-normal rainfall between October and December, with the effects potentially extending into early 2027. …
… In Kenya, El Nino is often associated with above-normal rainfall, particularly during the October-December short rains.The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast above-normal rainfall across much of the country during the season. …
… Current assessments put between 22,000 and 25,000 households at risk under a medium scenario, with the figure rising to 100,000 under a worst-case scenario.The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has forecast the October–November–December (OND) season and says its seasonal outl …
… Preparedness is ongoing at the national level in collaboration with the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Kenya Meteorological Department, National Disaster Operations Centre, county governments and partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Worl …
… Closer to home, the Kenya Meteorological Department has flagged elevated risks of El Niño bringing above-normal rainfall across much of the country from October onwards. …
Civil society organisations under the Right to Food Coalition are calling on national and county governments to move from preparedness plans to concrete action ahead of forecast above-average October–December 2026 rainfall, and have requested weekly, public updates on funds released, flood-control works completed, and measures to protect flood- and landslide-prone communities. The coalition cited 315 flood deaths and Sh187 billion in damage in 2024, plus more than 60 flood deaths in March 2026 and 18 landslide deaths this year in three counties.
Civil society organisations under the Right to Food Coalition are calling on national and county governments to move from preparedness plans to concrete action ahead of forecast above-average October–December 2026 rainfall, and have requested weekly, public updates on funds released, flood-control works completed, and measures to protect flood- and landslide-prone communities. The coalition cited 315 flood deaths and Sh187 billion in damage in 2024, plus more than 60 flood deaths in March 2026 and 18 landslide deaths this year in three counties.
The government has stepped up preparedness measures ahead of the October-November-December 2026 rainfall season, urging Kenyans to take precautions against possible flooding, landslides, and disruptions to essential services. Ministries, county governments, humanitarian organisations and development partners are undertaking risk assessments, identifying vulnerable areas, and strengthening early-warning communication to communities.
Nakuru and Bomet counties have identified over 70 high-risk areas and evacuation centres in preparation for heavy El Niño rainfall expected from October through December 2026, with authorities allocating funds for emergency response and mitigation efforts.
The Government has stepped up preparedness measures ahead of the October-November-December 2026 rainfall season, warning Kenyans to take early precautions against possible floods, landslides and other weather-related emergencies. Ministries, county governments, and partners are strengthening multi-agency mechanisms, risk assessments, and early-warning communication with communities.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told the Senate that the Government has put in place several frameworks to address flood risks and enhance preparedness, with implementation levels varying across counties. He said Nairobi City has developed a Flood Resilience Master Plan valued at approximately Sh47.2 billion, and the government is targeting to improve drainage systems and flood control infrastructure over 2026 to 2028.
Kenya is bracing for above-normal rainfall between October and December, with the government establishing a multi-agency team to coordinate preparations and reduce risks of floods, landslides, and examination disruption. Measures include clearing drainage systems, mapping flood hotspots, pre-positioning relief supplies, and strengthening early warning systems.
El Niño, a natural climate pattern that warms the Pacific Ocean and alters atmospheric circulation, is expected to bring above-normal rainfall to Kenya during the October-December season; experts urge communities and authorities to prepare for hazards accompanying heavier rains.
Kenya is preparing for the October–December rains by implementing new risk maps, county preparedness plans, and a national disaster response system. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen told senators that Nairobi has developed a flood resilience master plan worth about Sh47.2 billion targeting drainage and climate-resilient urban development through 2028, and the government has created County Multi-Hazard Risk Profiles and basin-specific flood-risk maps for areas such as the Tana River and Lake Victoria basins.
Kenya's Ministry of Health has directed counties to activate emergency coordination teams, strengthen disease detection, ensure medicine and vaccine supply, and implement malaria prevention measures ahead of heavy El Niño rains expected between October and December 2026.
Kenya's meteorological department has flagged elevated risks of El Niño bringing above-normal rainfall and extreme flooding from October onwards. The article argues that Kenyan businesses should consider insurance to manage this risk, citing the 1997–1998 El Niño's devastating impact on roads, buildings, crops, and supply chains.
The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya has urged property owners, landlords and facility managers to clear drainage systems, inspect buildings and prepare emergency response plans ahead of expected El Niño rains to reduce property damage and protect occupants.
The government has launched a Sh2.1 billion preparedness plan to protect livestock farmers and pastoral communities from anticipated El Niño effects, targeting 24 flood-prone and livestock-rich counties. The largest share of funds will go towards vaccines, veterinary medicines, and emergency response equipment to help farmers act before disasters occur.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has launched the Animal Identification and Traceability System (Anitrac) in Isiolo, an electronic tagging initiative to enable identification and traceability of livestock for export compliance and to combat livestock theft.
Over 80,000 families in Kilifi County face possible displacement as heavy El Niño rains are anticipated to begin in October and extend into January. The county government has begun mapping flood-prone areas, sensitizing communities, and assembling food and non-food items in readiness for potential humanitarian emergencies.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has urged Kenyans and the government to prepare for heavy rainfall between October and December, with warnings that El Niño could extend to February 2027.
The government has identified 18 counties as high-risk areas ahead of heavy rains and flooding expected from October, with a multi-agency team already working in Baringo County on evacuation and preparation efforts.
President William Ruto has signed the Public Finance Management Amendment Bill 2025, which introduces penalties for public entities that fail to implement recommendations from the Auditor-General and Controller of Budget, and shortens the period for submitting financial statements.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of heavy El Niño rainfall expected between October and December 2026, with the Kenya Red Cross stating that 46 counties are at risk and more than two million people could be affected. Preparations are underway across the country, including drainage clearing efforts in Nairobi and other mitigation strategies.
For African farmers, climate change poses an immediate threat to harvests as extreme weather—drought, excessive rainfall, and flooding—disrupts agricultural systems. The piece argues that expanding cultivated land alone cannot solve the region's agricultural challenge; instead, farmers must increase productivity per acre.
An opinion piece reflecting on Kenya's 1997–98 El Niño rains, which affected more than 1.5 million people and caused damage equivalent to 11 per cent of GDP, argues that forecasts alone are insufficient without systematic mechanisms to translate warnings into preparedness and early action at community and institutional levels.
Kenya's government has unveiled a National Contingency Plan to prepare for above-normal rains forecast for October–December, with early onset expected in Western, Nyanza and North Eastern regions. The plan includes hotspot mapping of flood-vulnerable areas, infrastructure inspections, drainage desilting, evacuation awareness, water-level monitoring, and coordination among national and county agencies.
The Kenya Red Cross has warned that 46 of Kenya's 47 counties risk above-average rainfall in coming months, cautioning that weak drainage and blocked flood paths could turn the rains into disaster. The warning comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts above-average rainfall across more than 40 counties during the October-to-December short rains.
Lake Nakuru and other Rift Valley lakes are swelling with anticipated El Niño rains, raising fears of fresh displacement for communities already affected by past flooding. In 2020, Lake Nakuru flooded 352 households around Mwariki; displaced residents are still awaiting compensation and worry further rises could force them to relocate again.
Kenya's Ministry of Health is stepping up measures to prevent and respond to water- and food-borne diseases expected during El Niño rains, working with county governments and partners to strengthen preparedness. The public in flood-prone areas is being urged to use safe water, maintain hand hygiene, and cook food properly to reduce disease risk.
Kenya faces an 85–90 per cent probability of El Niño conditions through 2026, and communities in flood-prone areas should begin preparedness measures now rather than waiting for rains or emergency declarations, as local neighbours and residents typically respond first.
Investigators are examining weather, human, and equipment factors as probable causes of a helicopter crash in Samburu County that killed Ecuador's intelligence director Michele Sensi-Contugi, his wife, four Americans, and the pilot. The chartered aircraft, operated by Lady Lori Flight Company, crashed at the foot of Mt Ololokwe while on a scenic flight.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has traditionally issued weather forecasts describing expected conditions, location, and intensity, but has been leaving out guidance on what actions people should take before impacts like rain, floods, or landslides occur. The department is now shifting to provide action-oriented information alongside weather warnings.
The Kenya Meteorological Department says eight counties—Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kericho, Nyandarua and Nyeri—are expected to receive rainfall in the coming week, while most of the country remains generally dry. The department also warns of intermittent cool and cloudy conditions in 16 counties and high daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C in several regions.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said Kenya expects maize production to decline due to drought in ASAL counties, but the government has measures in place to prevent food shortage, including importing maize from the COMESA region. The CS said maize seed stocks are sufficient despite potential losses of 25–30 percent of the seed crop.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said Kenya expects maize production to decline due to drought in ASALs, but the government has put measures in place to prevent a national food shortage, including supplementing local supplies through imports from the COMESA region.