Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has urged communities, institutions and decision-makers to prepare early for the October-November-December (OND) 2026 short-rains season, warning that evolving El Niño conditions and other climate drivers could influence rainfall patterns across the country.
In an X update on Monday, the meteorological agency said Kenyans should not wait for extreme weather events before taking precautionary measures, stressing the importance of turning weather forecasts and early warnings into practical action.
The warning comes as Kenya prepares for one of its two major rainfall seasons, with the OND rains playing an important role in agriculture, water availability and livelihoods, particularly in areas that depend on seasonal rainfall.
At the same time, periods of unusually heavy rainfall can expose communities to flooding, landslides, damage to infrastructure, disruption of transport and losses to crops and livestock. In urban areas, poor drainage and settlement in flood-prone locations can further increase the potential impact of intense rainfall.
KMSA raised the preparedness message during a radio talk show on Radio Maria, “Mazingira Mtaani”, which focused on public awareness ahead of the 2026 short-rains season.
“Turning Early Warnings into Early Action,” the agency said, highlighting the central message of its engagement with the public.
During the programme, KMSA discussed the evolving El Niño conditions and other climate factors that could affect rainfall distribution and intensity in different parts of Kenya.
“KMSA discussed the evolving #ElNiño conditions and other climate drivers influencing rainfall patterns across Kenya, what the seasonal outlook means for different communities, and the potential impacts that may be associated with the coming season,” the authority said.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon associated with warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It can influence weather patterns far beyond the Pacific, including rainfall patterns in parts of East Africa.
However, KMSA noted that El Niño is only one of the factors that influence Kenya’s weather. Other climate drivers can affect the timing, amount and distribution of rainfall, meaning communities need to pay attention to official seasonal forecasts rather than relying solely on assumptions about the effects of El Niño.
For households and farmers, early preparation could help reduce losses if heavy rainfall occurs. Communities can clear drainage channels, protect homes and other property, safeguard livestock, review emergency plans and identify safe areas before potentially hazardous conditions develop.
The authority said the value of climate information depends largely on whether it is acted upon in time.
“The key message was clear: Early Warning → Early Action,” KMSA said.
It added that understanding forecasts and taking timely measures could help reduce risks to people and property.
“Understanding climate information, acting on credible forecasts, and taking timely preparedness measures can help communities, institutions and decision-makers reduce risks and protect lives, livelihoods and property,” the agency said.
The call for preparedness also places responsibility on institutions and authorities to use climate information when planning for potential emergencies. Early action can help communities respond before hazards escalate, rather than relying entirely on emergency intervention after damage has occurred.
KMSA also highlighted the importance of public communication in ensuring that climate information reaches communities in an accessible form.
“Thank you to Radio Maria and the ‘Mazingira Mtaani’ team for providing a platform to bring climate information closer to communities,” it said.
As the country approaches the OND 2026 season, KMSA urged Kenyans to monitor official weather updates and use credible forecasts to guide preparations.
The authority reiterated that early warnings are most effective when followed by timely action, urging communities to remain alert as climate conditions evolve.