Kenya has officially entered the October–December rainfall season, with the Kenya Meteorological Service warning of wetter-than-normal conditions in several parts of the country.

Acting head of the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority Edward Muriuki said rains had already started in parts of 24 counties, including areas of the Coast, western Kenya and the Rift Valley, and would gradually spread to other regions.

Muriuki said the remaining counties were expected to experience the onset next week or the following week, with Turkana and Samburu likely to be the last areas to receive the rains in the third or fourth week of October.

He urged farmers to rely on detailed forecasts issued by county meteorological officials because the timing and intensity of rainfall would vary from one region to another.

“County-specific weekly and monthly forecasts are available from the offices of respective county directors of Meteorological Services,” Muriuki said.

Counties already receiving rains

Rains have already started in Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Narok.

The onset has also been reported in the Coast counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu and Kilifi, as well as the Tana Delta.

In Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo, the rains are expected to begin during the first or second week of October.

Much of central Kenya and Ukambani, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Kitui and Makueni, are expected to receive the rains next week or the following week.

Kajiado, Taita Taveta and inland parts of Tana River are also expected to experience the onset during the same period.

Met warns of heavy rainfall

The Meteorological Service said above-average rainfall could improve soil moisture, support land preparation and planting, regenerate pasture and increase water availability for livestock.

However, the agency cautioned that excessive rainfall could result in waterlogging, crop diseases, disruption of farming activities and difficulties transporting agricultural produce.

The heaviest rainfall is expected in parts of the Coast and northeastern Kenya, including Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Mandera.

Parts of Taita Taveta, Tana River, Garissa and Wajir are also expected to receive particularly heavy rainfall during the season.

Farmers and residents in areas likely to experience heavy rains have been urged to follow county-specific weather updates and take appropriate precautions as the October–December rainfall season progresses.