- The Kenya Meteorological Department issued a five-day outlook covering Saturday, October 17 to Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Thunderstorms are forecast in 21 counties, concentrated across western Kenya and the Rift Valley each afternoon
- Only Wajir and Machakos are expected to remain completely dry throughout the entire period
The Kenya Meteorological Department has released a five-day weather forecast predicting continuous rainfall across 17 counties from Saturday, October 17 to Wednesday, October 21, with thunderstorms affecting a further 21 counties, predominantly in the west and Rift Valley.
The outlook, issued on October 15, describes conditions ranging from light to moderate rainfall, with no heavy rain anticipated during the period. Only Wajir and Machakos are projected to remain entirely dry across all five days.
Counties Set for Rain Every Day
Western Kenya and Nyanza counties, including Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira, will receive rainfall throughout the week.
Rift Valley counties, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Nakuru, Kericho and Bomet, as well as the Mt Kenya counties of Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, Nyeri and Kirinyaga, are also on the list for unbroken five-day rainfall.
Kericho stands out as the wettest county, with moderate afternoon showers from Saturday through Tuesday before lighter showers arrive on Wednesday.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
Moderate rainfall, which the department defines as between 5mm and 20mm in 24 hours, will be most widespread on Saturday, affecting 14 counties, before tapering to just two counties by Tuesday.
Afternoon thunder and lightning will accompany rain in 13 counties each day; Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Nakuru, Kericho and Bomet.
Eight additional counties, including West Pokot, Siaya, Kisumu and Baringo, are due thunderstorms on selected days.
Mt Kenya counties follow a different pattern, with morning and overnight light rains and no thunderstorm activity forecast.
Nairobi, Coast and the North
Nairobi residents can expect a dry, sunny weekend and Monday before light overnight showers on Monday and Tuesday, and light morning rain on Wednesday. Temperatures in the capital will range from 12°C to 29°C.
Along the coast, Mombasa will see light night showers on Saturday and Sunday, while Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu are due morning showers on Sunday and Monday.
Tana River will receive afternoon showers from Monday to Wednesday, with coastal daytime highs holding between 29°C and 32°C.
Northern Kenya will largely remain hot and dry. Turkana records the highest temperatures in the country at 37°C to 38°C, with light rain expected only on Monday. Mandera, Garissa and Wajir may reach 36°C on some days.
The coldest nights will be felt in the central highlands and the Rift Valley. Nyandarua will drop to between 7°C and 9°C throughout the week, while Kajiado and Kericho are expected to fall to 10°C on selected nights.
The department advises that this forecast should be read alongside its daily 24-hour outlook.
County-specific forecasts are available through the offices of the respective county directors of meteorological services.
Source: TUKO.co.ke