Rainfall to persist across country, intensity rising from Thursday

Rainfall will persist across the country this week, with intensity increasing from Thursday as the long rains gradually build toward their April peak.

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, rainfall is expected across several regions between Tuesday, March 17 and Monday, March 23, with isolated heavy downpours likely in some areas.

In its weekly forecast on March 16, 2026, the department said rain will affect the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the South-eastern Lowlands and the Coast.

“There will be increased intensity from Thursday. Isolated heavy rainfall events are also likely over parts of these areas,” the department said.

The forecast presents a crucial window for farmers planting crops during the long rains, which form the backbone of Kenya’s food production cycle.

Areas likely to receive regular rainfall include counties in western Kenya and the Rift Valley, such as Nandi, Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Kericho and Kisumu.

“Morning rains are likely in a few places, especially from Thursday, while afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms are expected to spread to several areas,” the department said.

In the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru and Nairobi counties, rainfall is also expected, initially in isolated places before intensifying.

“Afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms are expected over a few areas, occasionally spreading to several places,” the agency warned.

Meanwhile, the Coast region, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, will experience intermittent rain throughout the day and night.

Parts of North-eastern and North-western Kenya, including Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Turkana, and Samburu, will remain mostly sunny and dry, though occasional showers are possible.

Weather experts also warned that high temperatures will persist in several regions.

“Daytime average temperatures above 30°C are expected in several parts of the country, including the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western regions,” the department said.

Night temperatures in some highland areas could drop 10 °C below, particularly around the Central Rift Valley and near Mt Kilimanjaro.

These variations in rainfall and temperature will influence what crops farmers should plant and where.

Agricultural experts advise farmers in high-potential areas, such as the Rift Valley, to focus on high-yield maize varieties that benefit from longer growing seasons.

One recommended variety is H6213, produced by the Kenya Seed Company. It matures in about six months and is known for large harvests, making it suitable for highland counties like Uasin-Gishu, Trans-Nzoia and Nandi.

Another recommended variety is Pioneer 30G19, which matures slightly faster and has strong resistance to leaf blight.

Machakos-based agronomist Martin Mutua advised farmers in semi-arid counties such as Kitui, Makueni and parts of Embu to plant fast-maturing crops that can survive shorter rainfall seasons.

Recommended varieties include SC Duma 43, which matures in about three months and tolerates heat stress and DK 8031, known for its “stay-green” characteristic that helps the plant remain healthy even when rainfall is scarce.

Experts also encourage farmers to plant legumes alongside maize to improve soil fertility and provide additional income.

“Kenya’s farming regions differ significantly in their production strategies,” Mr. Mutua said.

In Trans-Nzoia County, which is often referred to as the country’s maize basket, farmers typically plant large tracts of maize due to favorable soil and rainfall. Kitui County, by contrast, favors short-season crops such as green grams and sorghum because rainfall is less predictable.

“Farmers there should plant quick-maturing crops that can be harvested before moisture disappears,” he added.

Agricultural specialists say that farmers should take advantage of the rains to plant crops quickly, as delayed planting often exposes crops to drought later in the season. Meteorologists have urged farmers and the public to continue monitoring regular weather updates.

“Members of the public are advised to follow updates and advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department,” the agency said.

Floods have so far claimed 66 lives according to the National Police Service (NPS), as heavy rains continue to batter different regions.

In a press statement issued on March 15, 2026, the NPS reported that the victims include 50 men, eight women and eight children. Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths, with 33 fatalities, followed by the Eastern region with 18, the Rift Valley with eight, Nyanza with four, the Coast two, and the Central region with one.

bmatheka@ke.nationmedia.com