Kenya Meteorological Department warns of developing El Niño in 2026 with high probability of persistence
via Tuko2 min read
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning regarding the anticipated development of El Niño conditions in 2026, with a 90-96% chance of the phenomenon persisting through the end of the year. Global climate models suggest the El Niño event will likely be at least moderate, with a possibility of becoming strong. Forecasts indicate an 80-82% likelihood of El Niño materializing between June and August 2026, increasing for the remainder of the year. The implications for Kenya vary by region: June-August is expected to bring depressed rainfall in western Kenya and predominantly dry conditions elsewhere, while October-December typically sees enhanced rainfall nationwide. The June-July-August 2026 seasonal forecast predicts near-average to below-average rainfall for the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and Northwestern Kenya, with the Coast expecting near-average to above-average rainfall. The Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, and parts of the Southeastern lowlands, along with select high-ground areas of Marsabit and Taita Taveta counties, may experience occasional cool, cloudy conditions with light rains. Most of the South-eastern lowlands and the North-eastern region are expected to remain largely sunny and dry, with warmer than average temperatures across most of the country. The department also notes that a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, if it develops, could intensify rainfall during the October-December season
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Three men, Wario Ali Halo, Umuro Afani Duba, and Alkano Elema Galgalo, were arrested in Marsabit after law enforcement officers recovered 13 elephant tusks from a residential house in the Majengo area. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI stated that the arrests followed a coordinated operation based on a tip-off. The suspects are currently being processed for arraignment, and the confiscated tusks are being held as evidence at the Marsabit Police Station. The DCI emphasized the National Police Service's commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species.
Kenyan newspapers on Thursday, June 11, focused on the country's budget battle, the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and political developments. The Linda Mwananchi movement, led by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, is reportedly gaining momentum, attracting figures like former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo and former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter. The movement, which started as an ODM-linked reform initiative, is broadening its support beyond traditional ODM strongholds and plans rallies in Mt Kenya. Meanwhile, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has begun a 45-day political consultation at his Wamunyoro residence, aiming to influence the 2027 General Election and identify a single presidential candidate for the opposition. This marks his third such retreat, with previous ones leading to the formation of the Democratic Congress Party. Separately, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok was abruptly transferred to the State Department for Tourism, just hours after a meeting on school unrest. This move has sparked speculation about leadership and accountability within the Ministry of Education, with reports of tensions between Bitok and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, and concerns over Bitok's focus on political ambitions. Additionally, opposition leaders unveiled a rival "People's Budget," urging Parliament to reject President Ruto's KSh 4.82 trillion spending plan. Led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the United Alternative Government criticized th
Must ReadKonza Technopolis has achieved provisional registration for a wildlife conservancy, making it the first purpose-built smart city in Africa to do so. The Kenya Wildlife Service officially granted the registration for the Konza Technopolis Wildlife Conservancy, a protected area spanning 404.69 hectares within the smart city development in Makueni county. This conservancy includes a 1,000-acre wildlife corridor, part of the city's 5,000-acre master plan, designed to protect biodiversity while allowing modern infrastructure and technological innovation to coexist with the natural environment. The protected area is part of the wider Athi-Kapiti Ecosystem and provides habitat for species such as the Grey Crowned Crane, Maasai Giraffe, zebras, and gazelles. Technopolis Development Authority CEO John Paul Okwiri stated that this achievement demonstrates that technological advancement and environmental conservation are complementary pillars of sustainable development. The conservancy is expected to boost eco-tourism, wildlife research, carbon-credit opportunities, and ESG-focused investments, aligning with Kenya's commitments to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 15.