Three suspects arrested in Marsabit with 13 elephant tusks

Kenya Meteorological Department warns of developing El Niño in 2026 with high probability of persistence

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