September marks the transition from the dry June-July-August season to the short rains of October-November-December, the Kenya Meteorological Department has said.
In its September 2026 outlook, the Department says most parts of the country will remain generally dry due to the subsidence from the southeast monsoon winds that suppress rainfall.
However, several counties in the Lake Victoria Basin, North Rift and Coast will continue to receive rainfall during the month.
“While most of Kenya remains dry in September, parts of Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Coastal regions normally receive rainfall due to local moisture sources like Lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean, topographic uplift and Congo air inflow,” the Met Department states in its forecast.
Which counties will receive rainfall in September 2026?
The counties expected to receive rain include Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Siaya, Vihiga, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kisumu, Kericho, Nyamira, Kisii, Bomet, Migori, Homa Bay, parts of Narok, West Pokot, Baringo, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and coastal parts of Tana River.
Importance of rainfall in September for North Rift farmers
For farmers in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia, the continued rains are crucial as the maize crop approaches maturity. The department has advised farmers to continue with routine farm management and to take advantage of the dry conditions in other areas to prepare land for the short rains season.
The weatherman has also warned that the transition period is often characterized by strong winds and urges the public to secure property and be cautious.
Members of the public are advised to continue monitoring daily weather updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department for specific forecasts in their areas.
