The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has confirmed the onset of the country’s 2025 March-April-May (MAM) long rains season, following increased rainfall in several regions. According to the latest weather statement, the rains recorded between March 10 and 16 marked the official start of the wet season in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Nairobi, and parts of the Southeastern lowlands and Northeastern regions.
For an official declaration of the rainy season, the Met Department requires two key conditions to be met: a wet spell with at least 20 mm of accumulated rainfall over three consecutive days, and the absence of a dry spell of seven days within the next 21 days.
“Compared to the week of 3 to 9 March 2025, there was a noticeable increase in rainfall amounts, especially in the Southeastern lowlands and parts of Northeastern regions,” the statement noted.
While some areas have begun experiencing the rains, others are yet to meet the threshold. The Highlands East of the Rift Valley and Southeastern lowlands are expected to realize their onset this week.
In Northeastern Kenya, the season is anticipated to begin between March 18 and 31, though intermittent dry spells are likely to follow. Meanwhile, the Northwestern and coastal regions are expected to receive sporadic rainfall throughout March, but the official onset is not projected until April, with the peak of the season expected in May.
With the rains continuing in various parts of the country, the Met Department has urged caution in areas expected to receive heavy downpours. These include the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Nairobi County, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern lowlands, and Northeastern Kenya.
“Residents in these regions are advised to remain alert for potentially heavy downpours and take necessary precautions to ensure safety,” said Dr. David Gikungu, Director of Kenya Meteorological Services.
