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  • Kenya likely to experience below-normal rainfall

    Kenya likely to experience below-normal rainfall

    Kenya is expected to experience below-normal rainfall and warmer-than-average temperatures during the June to September 2026 season, according to the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC).

    The latest regional climate outlook and forecast issued during the 73rd Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum held in Addis Ababa indicates that western and coastal parts of Kenya are among areas likely to receive below-normal rainfall during the period, which is a critical season for several sectors, including agriculture and water resources.

    In a press statement by ICPAC, some parts of coastal Kenya are, however, expected to record near-normal rainfall, offering slight relief in areas dependent on seasonal rains.

    ICPAC noted that the June to September season is likely to be warmer than usual across much of the Greater Horn of Africa, with Kenya also expected to experience above-normal temperatures.

    The agency warned that the projected dry and warm conditions could negatively affect rain-fed agriculture, water availability, livestock production, food security, public health and hydropower generation.

    The forecast also raises concerns over possible pressure on pastoral communities and increased vulnerability in arid and semi-arid areas, already facing climate-related challenges.

    According to ICPAC, the evolving 2026 climate conditions resemble those experienced during the strong El Niño years of 1997 and 2023, when several parts of the region, including western Kenya, recorded below-normal rainfall.

    Speaking during the forum, IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware emphasised the need to translate climate information into timely action and preparedness measures across the region.

    “Across the region, we are increasingly shifting the conversation from ‘early warning’ to ‘early warning linked to anticipatory action,’ recognising that climate information must ultimately support action and preparedness to make a difference.”

    Fetene Teshome, Director General of the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute, called for sustained investment in climate services and regional cooperation to strengthen resilience across the Greater Horn of Africa.

    “We must continue to invest in and expand systems capable of generating knowledge-based, user-tailored climate information at both the national and regional levels,” Teshome said.

    ICPAC said it will continue providing regional updates, while Kenya’s meteorological authorities are expected to issue more detailed country-specific forecasts and advisories.

    Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has said that the country will in the next 24 hours experience rainfall in a few parts of the country, with heavier rainfall likely in the highlands of the west of the Rift Valley.

    Giving a summary of the weather from tonight to 9.00 p.m. Wednesday, KMD says strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 m/s) are expected in parts of the Northwestern, Northeastern, Coastal and Southeastern Lowlands.

    In the Highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and Rift Valley counties, including areas such as Kakamega, Kisumu, Nakuru, Narok, Uasin Gishu, and Kisii, showers and thunderstorms are expected in a few places tonight.

    The region will have mainly sunny intervals, with light morning rains in some areas and more widespread afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

  • Greater Horn of Africa headed for depressed rainfall in October to December season

    Greater Horn of Africa headed for depressed rainfall in October to December season

    Climate scientists at the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), have forecast depressed rainfall in the greater horn of Africa region.

    In a forecast released during the 71st Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 71), the forecast for the October, November to December (OND) short rains season, indicates a likelihood of below-normal rainfall across most parts of the region except parts of south-eastern South Sudan, north-eastern and south-western parts of Uganda, where wetter than usual conditions are forecasted.

    In the statement read by the Acting Director of Kenya Meteorological Department Edward Muriuki, OND is an important rainfall season for the equatorial Greater Horn of Africa, contributing up to 70% of the annual total in parts of Kenya and Somalia.

    “The October, November and December rainfall is important for the equatorial greater horn of Africa, contributing up to 70% of the annual total in parts of Kenya and Somalia,” said Muriuki who is also the Permanent Representative of Kenya to the World Meteorological Organisation and added, “The forecast points to a higher likelihood of below normal rainfall across most parts of the region except parts of southeastern South Sudan, northeastern and southwestern parts of Uganda where wetter than usual conditions are forecast.”

    On the other hand, above-normal rainfall is expected in western parts of the region, particularly in south-eastern South Sudan, north-eastern and south-western Uganda, northern Somalia, and parts of northern Rwanda.

    “Regions such as southwestern Ethiopia, northwestern Kenya, central to northern Uganda, most of Rwanda and western Burundi present a chance of above normal rainfall.”

    The forecast further indicates an increased likelihood of warmer-than-average surface temperatures across the GHA, while average to cooler-than-average conditions are expected over cross-border areas of Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya, as well as localised areas of north-western Sudan.

    The Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD, Mohamed Ware, emphasised the need for collaboration, stating, “The Greater Horn of Africa is at the frontline of the climate crisis. Climate information must reach the last mile, and only through collaboration and early action can we turn forecasts into meaningful messages that drive timely action.”

    Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa who spoke at the start of GHACOF71 noted that bridging the early warning gap requires shared knowledge, timely information, and a united regional approach.

    “Kenya remains committed to supporting regional frameworks that strengthen climate resilience across our communities,” she said.

  • WISER Kenya Project unveiled in Tana River County to boost climate resilience

    WISER Kenya Project unveiled in Tana River County to boost climate resilience

    Tana River County is set to benefit from the Weather and Climate Information Services for Africa (WISER) Kenya project in an effort mitigate climate risks in the floods and drought prone county.

    Funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and coordinated by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Center (ICPAC), the project seeks to provide local communities with critical climate information to improve disaster preparedness and resilience against extreme weather events.

    The WISER Kenya project will see the creation of a County Climate Information Service (CCIS) that will streamline and disseminate essential climate updates to local farmers and community leaders through regular updates accessible on mobile platforms.

    “This project is about harnessing weather and climate information to improve local resilience. It aims to strengthen the adaptive capacity of communities to face extreme weather events and disasters,” said Calistas Wachana of ICPAC.

    Speaking at the project launch, Tana River Environment and Climate Change CEC Mathew Baboya announced that Tana River County has committed over Ksh92 million from its development budget to support climate initiatives, including water access, climate-smart agriculture, and mangrove restoration in the Tana Delta.

    “As Kenya works to create a sustainable future, WISER’s launch marks a significant milestone in local climate adaptation efforts. With continued partnership, the project promises to reduce the impact of climate extremes and empower communities with the tools to safeguard lives and livelihoods,” he said.

    His sentiments were echoed by the County’s Coordinator for Gender Issues Millicent Akinyi who noted that the project will not only benefit farmers but also women, children, and persons with disabilities who are vulnerable during disasters.

    “This project will impact not only Tana River but also Garissa, given the shared challenges, particularly during floods and droughts. It will allow us to gather accurate data on vulnerable populations to inform county planning and budgeting,” she stated.