By Robert Mutasi 
Nairobi and Uasin Gishu are among 44 counties expected to receive rainfall between September 15 and 21, 2026, as Kenya prepares for the October-December rainfall season.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department’s seven-day forecast, issued for the period, rainfall is expected in parts of several regions, with the intensity and timing varying from one county to another. The department’s official website lists the September 15-21 forecast among its current seven-day weather products.
Other counties expected to receive rainfall include Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Siaya, Taita-Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, Wajir and West Pokot.
The forecast does not mean that every part of the listed counties will receive rain. The meteorological department has specified that rainfall will occur in particular areas, with weather conditions expected to differ depending on the location.
In Nairobi, afternoon showers are expected in several parts of the county, while some areas could also experience showers at night. The forecast also places the capital among counties where morning rainfall may occur in a few areas.
Morning showers are also expected in parts of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu. A few areas of Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Marsabit, Wajir and Mandera could also receive morning rain.
Western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley are expected to experience afternoon showers and thunderstorms. The affected counties include Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Nandi, Nakuru, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Homa Bay, Migori, Narok and Nyamira.
Several Central and coastal counties could also experience afternoon showers, including Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Kwale, Lamu, Kilifi, Meru, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Tharaka-Nithi.
At night, showers are expected in a few parts of Kilifi, Mombasa, Nairobi, Kiambu, Meru, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nyeri, Siaya, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and Vihiga.
The weather outlook comes as Kenya moves closer to the October-December rainfall season. The meteorological department has continued to encourage the public, farmers and other sectors to use weather forecasts when planning activities and preparing for possible weather-related hazards.
Despite the expected rainfall, sunny intervals are forecast in parts of Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana and Wajir during the week.
Temperatures will also vary considerably across the country. Daytime maximum average temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius are expected in parts of Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit and Turkana.
At the other end of the scale, some highland areas are expected to experience colder nights, with minimum average temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius forecast in parts of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nakuru, Narok, Taita-Taveta and Kajiado.
The department has urged Kenyans to monitor updated forecasts and take appropriate precautions as weather conditions change.
The latest forecast comes as Kenya strengthens preparedness for the OND rainfall season, with authorities urging communities to use early weather information to protect lives, property, crops and livestock.
Eldoret Leo