The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has revealed that Kenya is experiencing increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, characterized by extended dry periods alongside heavy rainfall events that often cause flooding.

According to the State of the Climate in Africa 2025 report, East Africa is witnessing significant variability in precipitation. While some areas endure intense wet spells leading to widespread flooding, others, particularly parts of the Horn of Africa, have recorded substantial declines in rainfall, especially during the crucial March-May long rains season.

This variability is disrupting the predictability of seasonal rains, posing serious challenges to communities reliant on rain for agriculture, livestock, and water supply. The report emphasizes that precipitation is a vital element of the hydrological cycle, supporting livelihoods and industries but also contributing to droughts, floods, and landslides when highly variable.

Key Findings from the WMO Report

  • East Africa has experienced both intense rainfall events causing floods and prolonged dry spells reducing overall precipitation.
  • The Greater Horn of Africa saw unusually low annual rainfall, with particularly dry conditions during both the long rains (March-May) and short rains (October-December).
  • Kenya and Somalia suffered poor crop and pasture conditions due to these shifting rainfall patterns.
  • Floods accounted for over half of climate-related disasters reported across Africa in 2025.
  • Drought affected more than 8.5 million people in Kenya and Somalia, while floods resulted in significant loss of life.
  • Large-scale climate drivers like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole influenced these rainfall changes, with the Dipole Mode Index shifting to a negative phase that likely increased dryness in the Horn of Africa later in the year.
  • At least 13 million Africans were impacted by extreme climate events in 2025, with over 3,000 fatalities recorded.
  • Less than 40% of African countries have adequate multi-hazard early warning and response systems, highlighting a critical preparedness gap.

The report calls for enhanced climate monitoring and improved early-warning mechanisms to better equip vulnerable regions like Kenya in adapting to these increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.