Kenyan residents may soon experience relief from the persistent heavy rains affecting various regions of the country, as the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KEMSA) has announced that precipitation levels are expected to decrease in the near future.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department’s update on Friday, May 1, the substantial rainfall witnessed in multiple areas nationwide is projected to diminish considerably by the middle of May 2026.
The meteorological service noted that although the first week of May will bring precipitation in various regions, weather conditions are anticipated to improve during the latter part of the month.
“The forecast for May suggests that the latter half of the month will probably experience below-average precipitation levels, signaling the conclusion of the March-April-May 2026 rainy season,” the Kenya Meteorological Department stated.
The meteorological authority highlighted that the concluding days of May are likely to be predominantly drier than the seasonal norm across numerous regions of the nation, signifying the termination of the March-April-May long rains.
Nevertheless, not all areas will immediately see a reduction in precipitation, with regions including Central Kenya, Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Coast anticipated to maintain rainfall into June.
However, the meteorological department clarified that although these areas will continue to experience rainfall, the intensity will be lower than the seasonal average.
The conclusion of the extended rainy period will introduce the cool and dry season, during which multiple regions, particularly those in the Highlands, are forecasted to encounter extremely cold temperatures.
Despite the projected decrease in precipitation later in May, immediate conditions are still expected to result in flooding, waterlogged areas, and transportation disruptions.
The authority additionally cautioned that sustained wet conditions could lead to health hazards including waterborne illnesses and malaria, particularly in areas with inadequate drainage systems and sanitation infrastructure.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, ongoing precipitation in areas such as Central Kenya, Western regions, the Lake Victoria basin, and portions of the Rift Valley will likely cause water accumulation and farm flooding, resulting in agricultural losses.
“In the Southeastern Lowlands, precipitation levels ranging from near-average to below-average, combined with intermittent intense storms, could create inconsistent soil moisture conditions, potentially stressing crops already compromised by previous rainfall,” the meteorological service explained.
Water resources and flood control infrastructure are facing strain, with the department alerting that rivers, reservoirs, and drainage networks in regions experiencing high precipitation may receive excessive water inputs, elevating the likelihood of river flooding and rapid water surges.
“The anticipated substantial precipitation during the first week of May heightens the probability of river flooding, sudden water inundations, and extended submersion in low-lying and downstream regions,” the Kenya Meteorological Department cautioned.