KMSA has forecast rainfall in eight counties including Bungoma, Nakuru and Nyeri between August 13-20, 2026, as most of Kenya remains cool and dry, with heavier rains expected from September.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has called on Kenyans to brace for possible rains across several counties in the next seven days, even as most parts of the country are expected to remain cool and dry.
In its latest seven-day weather forecast released on Thursday, August 13, KMSA said western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley are more likely to receive rainfall, while much of the country stays dry. Counties including Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kericho, Nyandarua, and Nyeri are expected to receive rainfall from August 13 to August 20.
Cool, Cloudy Conditions Elsewhere
While western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley could experience rain, several other counties are expected to see intermittent cool, cloudy conditions. These include Nairobi, Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, and Murang'a.
Other counties on the list are Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, Marsabit, and Wajir. KMSA said these conditions are expected in periods rather than throughout the entire forecast window, with most areas overall remaining generally dry.
Heavier Rains Expected From September
The forecast comes even as experts warn of heavy, persistent rains beginning in September, particularly in the North East and along the Coast, with some locations potentially recording up to 20mm above the long-term average.
The outlook is linked to growing international warnings about a strengthening El Niño and the development of a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) — two climate patterns expected to influence rainfall across East Africa in the coming months.