Several counties across Kenya are set to experience light to moderate rainfall over the coming days, even as large parts of the country remain dry and sunny, according to the latest forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met).
In its five-day outlook covering January 30 to February 3, Kenya Met said most regions will continue to record dry weather, with only a few areas receiving intermittent showers.
Dry conditions to persist in most regions
Kenya Met noted that sunny and dry conditions are expected to dominate much of the country during the forecast period, with daytime temperatures remaining high in several regions.
“Most parts of the country are expected to be sunny and dry. However, light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur in a few areas in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley and the Lake Victoria Basin,” the department said.
Maximum temperatures in many areas are expected to range between 31°C and 35°C, while minimum temperatures could drop to as low as 8°C, particularly in the early mornings in high-altitude regions.
Counties expected to receive rainfall
According to the forecast, rainfall is expected mainly in counties located west of the Rift Valley and around the Lake Victoria Basin. The showers are likely to occur in the afternoon and at night in some areas.
The counties expected to receive rainfall include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.
Kenya Met said the rainfall will be light to moderate and intermittent, rather than continuous.
Sunny weather in Eastern and Central highlands
The highlands east of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, are expected to remain sunny and dry throughout the period.
Daytime temperatures in these areas are projected to rise to about 31°C, while nights will be partly cloudy, offering some relief from the daytime heat.
Hot conditions in Northwestern Kenya
Counties in northwestern Kenya, including Turkana and Samburu, will experience sunny intervals with very high temperatures.
Kenya Met forecasted maximum temperatures of up to 38°C in these regions, warning residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
Similarly, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo counties are expected to record sunny conditions, with temperatures reaching 37°C and minimum temperatures of around 17°C.
Weather Outlook for Southeastern and Coastal Regions
The southeastern lowlands, including Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, and inland parts of Tana River County, will experience sunny intervals during both morning and afternoon hours.
Maximum temperatures in these areas are expected to reach 35°C, while early morning temperatures may drop to 14°C.
Along the coast, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and coastal parts of Tana River County will also experience sunny intervals, with maximum temperatures of around 33°C.
Longer-Term Rainfall Outlook
In related developments, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has forecast wetter-than-normal conditions for parts of Kenya during the March to May 2026 long rains season.
According to ICPAC, central and western Kenya have a 45 percent probability of receiving above-average rainfall during the period, while near-normal rainfall is expected in northeastern and coastal regions.
The outlook was released following the 72nd Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum held in Nairobi.
