The Kenya Meteorological Department (MET Kenya), established over 50 years ago, stands as the nation’s authoritative source for weather and climate information, with an estimated net worth of KSh 2 billion in assets and infrastructure. Renowned for its pivotal role in national disaster preparedness and climate research, MET Kenya’s career highlights include the development of advanced forecasting systems and the launch of the FASTA-Ken weather app. As Kenya approaches the 2026 wet season, MET Kenya has issued a critical forecast predicting heavy rains from March 17, signaling a significant weather event that is set to impact multiple regions across the country.
Who is MET: Heavy rains expected from Thursday as wet season builds up?
| Event | Heavy rains expected as wet season builds up |
| Date | March 17–23, 2026 |
| Location | Kenya (Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Southeastern Lowlands, Coastal region) |
| Organization Involved | Kenya Meteorological Department |
| Status | Rainfall forecast issued; intensity expected to increase from Thursday |
| Official Response | Weekly weather outlook and warnings issued by Kenya Meteorological Department |
| Impact | Isolated heavy rainfall events expected in some areas; northeastern and northwestern Kenya likely to remain mostly sunny and dry |
| Additional Details | Daytime temperatures above 30°C expected in coastal, northeastern, and northwestern regions |
The Kenya Meteorological Department (MET Kenya) serves as the country’s principal authority on weather forecasting and climate monitoring. As the national weather service, MET Kenya plays a crucial role in providing timely and accurate weather information to the public, government agencies, and various sectors of the economy. Its expertise is essential for helping Kenyans prepare for changing weather patterns, plan agricultural activities, and ensure public safety during periods of adverse weather.
In its latest announcement, MET Kenya has forecasted a significant increase in rainfall across multiple regions of the country between March 17 and March 23, 2026. According to the department’s weekly outlook, the anticipated heavy rains are expected to affect areas including the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the Coastal region. This development marks the buildup of Kenya’s wet season, a critical period for water resources and agriculture. MET Kenya continues to update the nation through its official platforms, reinforcing its role as a trusted source for weather updates and forecasts.
MET Kenya Meteorological Department Biography and History
The Kenya Meteorological Department (MET Kenya) was officially established in 1929 during the British colonial era, marking the beginning of organized meteorological services in the country. Initially, its primary role was to provide weather information for aviation and maritime navigation, supporting both civil and military operations in East Africa. Over the decades, MET Kenya evolved from a small colonial office into a modern national institution, expanding its reach and capabilities to serve the growing needs of an independent Kenya.
Throughout its history, the department has achieved several significant milestones. In the 1960s, following Kenya’s independence, MET Kenya became a fully-fledged government agency, integrating local expertise and expanding its network of observation stations across the country. Key figures such as Dr. Samuel Maritim, who served as Director in the 1980s, played a pivotal role in modernizing the department’s operations and fostering international collaborations. MET Kenya was among the first African meteorological agencies to adopt satellite-based weather observation in the 1990s, greatly enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of its forecasts. Its commitment to scientific advancement and public safety has earned it recognition as a leading authority in weather prediction and climate monitoring in the region.
MET Kenya Mandate and Core Functions
The Kenya Meteorological Department (MET Kenya) operates as the national authority responsible for providing timely and accurate weather and climate information to the public, government, and various sectors across the country. Its official mandate centers on weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and the issuance of early warning systems to safeguard lives, property, and the environment. MET Kenya plays a pivotal role in supporting national development by supplying essential meteorological data for agriculture, water resource management, disaster risk reduction, aviation safety, and public health planning.
Core functions of MET Kenya include the continuous observation and analysis of atmospheric conditions, development of short- and long-term weather forecasts, and dissemination of climate outlooks. The department is structured into specialized divisions that handle forecasting, research, data collection, and public communication, ensuring that weather information is accessible and actionable. By leveraging advanced meteorological technologies and a network of observation stations, MET Kenya provides real-time updates and advisories through its official platforms, including its website and mobile applications. Through these efforts, the department fulfills its mandate to enhance national preparedness, inform policy decisions, and promote resilience against adverse weather and climate events.
2026 Heavy Rainfall Forecast: Key Details and Affected Regions
The Kenya Meteorological Department (MET Kenya) has issued a detailed forecast indicating that heavy rains are expected to intensify from Thursday, March 20, 2026, as the wet season gains momentum across the country. According to the official weather outlook, significant rainfall will be experienced between March 17 and March 23, 2026, with the heaviest downpours anticipated in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the Coastal region. These areas are likely to witness periods of intense and sustained rainfall, with some locations facing isolated heavy rainfall events during the forecast period.
The department has highlighted that, while much of Kenya will experience increased precipitation, northeastern and northwestern regions are expected to remain mostly sunny and dry, though occasional showers cannot be ruled out. Daytime temperatures above 30°C are predicted in the coastal, northeastern, and northwestern areas, while nighttime temperatures could drop below 10°C in parts of the Highlands and the Central and North Rift. MET Kenya has advised residents in the affected regions to stay updated with daily and county-specific forecasts through its official channels, emphasizing the importance of monitoring real-time weather updates as the long rains season progresses.
Impact of Heavy Rains: Risks, Preparedness, and Public Advisory
Heavy rains, such as those forecasted by the Kenya Meteorological Department (MET Kenya), pose significant risks to communities across the affected regions. The primary hazards include flooding of low-lying areas, landslides in hilly and mountainous terrain, and widespread disruption of transport and essential services. Floodwaters may render roads impassable, damage infrastructure, and increase the risk of waterborne diseases. In areas prone to landslides, saturated soils can trigger dangerous slope failures, threatening homes and livelihoods. Urban centers, especially those with inadequate drainage systems, are particularly vulnerable to flash floods and related hazards.
**To mitigate these risks, MET Kenya and relevant authorities strongly advise the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures. Residents in flood-prone zones should move to safer areas if necessary, avoid crossing swollen rivers or walking through floodwaters, and ensure that drainage channels around homes are clear. Motorists are urged to exercise caution on slippery roads and avoid driving through flooded sections. Farmers are encouraged to monitor official weather updates to plan agricultural activities accordingly. The public is further advised to stay informed through MET Kenya’s official platforms, including the FASTA-Ken weather app and county-specific forecasts, and to heed all advisories and emergency instructions issued by local authorities. Taking these steps can help minimize the impact of heavy rains and safeguard lives and property during the wet season in Kenya.
MET Kenya’s Role in Climate Change and Future Weather Predictions
The Kenya Meteorological Department (MET Kenya) plays a pivotal role in the nation’s response to climate change by spearheading research and monitoring efforts that inform both policy and public awareness. As climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, MET Kenya has intensified its focus on long-term climate monitoring, utilizing a network of advanced weather stations and satellite technologies to collect and analyze atmospheric data. This robust monitoring system enables the department to track shifts in rainfall patterns, temperature extremes, and other climate indicators, providing a scientific basis for climate adaptation strategies across the country.
In addition to monitoring, MET Kenya invests in cutting-edge research initiatives aimed at understanding the drivers and impacts of climate change within the Kenyan context. Collaborative projects with international climate bodies and local universities have led to the development of improved weather models, enhancing the accuracy of future weather forecasts in Kenya. The department’s adoption of digital platforms, such as the FASTA-Ken weather application, allows for real-time dissemination of weather information, ensuring that communities, policymakers, and sectors like agriculture are better prepared for extreme weather events. Through these efforts, MET Kenya fulfills its mandate to anticipate and mitigate the effects of climate variability, safeguarding lives and supporting sustainable development as the wet season in Kenya and events like the anticipated heavy rains of 2026 become more frequent and intense.
Frequently Asked Questions about MET Kenya and Weather Forecasts
Frequently Asked Questions about MET Kenya and Weather Forecasts
How can I access official weather forecasts from MET Kenya? The Kenya Meteorological Department (MET Kenya) provides daily and weekly weather updates through several platforms, including their official website, county-specific forecasts, and the FASTA-Ken weather application. These platforms offer real-time weather information for different regions, ensuring the public stays informed about current and upcoming conditions.
How reliable are MET Kenya’s weather predictions? MET Kenya utilizes advanced meteorological technology and a team of skilled experts to deliver accurate and timely forecasts. While weather prediction inherently involves some uncertainty, MET Kenya’s forecasts are based on up-to-date data and international best practices, making them a trusted source for weather information in the country.
What is the difference between weather and climate? Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions such as rain, temperature, and wind, typically forecasted over days or weeks. Climate, on the other hand, describes the average weather patterns in a region over a much longer period, usually decades. MET Kenya provides both weather forecasts and climate monitoring services.
How can I contact MET Kenya for more information? The department can be reached through their official website, social media channels, or by phone. For specific inquiries, the public is encouraged to use the contact details provided on the MET Kenya website to ensure prompt and accurate responses to their questions.
Source: [The Star, Kenya](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-03-17-met-brace-for-heavier-downpour-from-thursday)
