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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Archbishop Gervas John Nyaisonga of the Archdiocese of Mbeya, Tanzania, has been elected President of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa AMECEA at its 21st Plenary Assembly in Nairobi. The assembly, hosted by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, concluded with a focus on AMECEA's synodal journey with young people, identifying youth as a shared pastoral priority for the next four years. Archbishop Nyaisonga accepted the role with a call for unity, prayer, and a commitment to working with young people across the region. He emphasized that implementing the assembly's resolutions is a shared responsibility among every Episcopal Conference, the AMECEA secretariat, and all baptized members. Nyaisonga highlighted the moving testimonies of young delegates during the assembly, stating that the church owes them a response measured in action. The assembly closed with a renewed commitment to synodality, evangelization, and accompanying young people throughout Eastern Africa.
Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced a plan to establish a specialized Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit, with 2,500 officers from the Nairobi County Inspectorate and the National Police Service undergoing intensive training. The initiative aims to enhance security patrols and rapid response across Nairobi, shifting focus from traffic enforcement. The training will be tailored to the city's unique policing needs, as Nairobi's daytime population exceeds seven million people. Kamukunji Police Station will be transformed into the unit's headquarters, undergoing rehabilitation and expansion. Additionally, Nairobi will implement an integrated citywide CCTV surveillance network linked to a new Traffic Management Centre at City Cabanas, which will serve as the city’s digital command center, incorporating AI-powered surveillance systems, police monitoring, and automated traffic enforcement. This system will also integrate private CCTV cameras to strengthen crime detection and emergency response. Governor Sakaja mentioned benchmarking visits to New York and London to study modern metropolitan policing models. These reforms are part of a cooperation agreement between the National and county governments to modernize Nairobi’s security infrastructure and enhance public safety.
Must ReadA video showing Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna confronting armed police officers during the June 2024 demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 has re-emerged online. The footage, filmed outside parliament on June 25, 2024, captures Sifuna approaching officers who were firing at anti-Finance Bill protesters as youths stormed the building. Sifuna, visibly agitated, moved towards the officers and urged them to stop shooting. Security personnel pushed the senator back, but he continued engaging them and advocating for a ceasefire. Fellow political leaders attempted to hold him back, but Sifuna, also a practicing lawyer, refused to retreat. At one point, gunshots were audible nearby, and he flinched but did not withdraw. The clip has circulated anew during Sifuna's homecoming in Bungoma county as he seeks a leading position in Western Kenya politics. Kenyans sharing the video have praised his actions, citing it as evidence of his willingness to stand up for citizens under dangerous conditions, and using it to amplify calls for him to enter the 2027 presidential race. Sifuna's public standing gained momentum following his removal as ODM secretary general, which led to the Linda Mwananchi movement and its slogan, "Mimi ndio Sifuna," drawing thousands of supporters.