Nyeri: Nyeri is among counties that recorded below-average rains during the March-April-May rainfall, according to a seasonal review of the 2025 long rain spell by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).
According to Kenya News Agency, the report dated May 30, 2025, revealed that this year’s long rains arrived earlier than anticipated. The onset began between March 10 and March 16, affecting the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Basin, Rift Valley, Nairobi, and isolated areas over the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, Southern lowlands, and parts of Isiolo County.
During this period, 15 stations recorded above-normal rainfall, 17 recorded near-normal, and one station recorded below-normal rainfall. While most areas experienced near to above-average rainfall, Nyeri recorded below-average rainfall, and prolonged dry conditions persisted in the Coastal region and Mandera. Rainfall distribution was generally favorable; however, the season was marked by severe storms across several parts of the country, particularly in March, April, and early May. The northern and eastern arid and semi-arid lands recorded significantly lower rainfall totals, with Lodwar and Mandera having the lowest.
The report by Director of KMD, Dr. David Gikungu, highlighted that the majority of stations, numbering seventeen, fell within the near-normal range of 75-125% of long-term averages. This included major agricultural zones such as Kericho and Kisii, which suggested generally expected rainfall patterns across these areas. Nyeri station was the sole outlier, with below-normal rainfall at 72.0% of its long-term mean, representing an isolated dry anomaly amidst otherwise normal to above-normal conditions across most of the country.
Despite this, Nyeri County is expected to experience some occasional light showers during the June-July-August season, which might provide relief to farmers as they await crop maturation. The forecast predicts near to above-average rainfall for the Highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, parts of the Highlands east of the Rift Valley, and the northwestern regions. Normally, rainfall during this period is concentrated over these regions, with the remainder of the country generally dry.
The report further indicates that the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, and several other counties, are likely to experience cool, cloudy, and foggy conditions with occasional light rains. Occasional afternoon and night showers are expected, especially in June, with total rainfall amounts anticipated to be close to the long-term average for the season. These areas are expected to experience cool conditions with daytime temperatures occasionally falling below 18 degrees centigrade.
Due to the expected cold season, the public is advised to dress warmly to prevent respiratory-related diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, flu, and the common cold. Residents are also cautioned against using charcoal jikos in poorly ventilated houses to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The report warns that respiratory diseases and eye infections may increase in the Northeastern region due to dust storms caused by windy and dry conditions. Health authorities are advised to prepare and distribute medical supplies and insect-treated nets in the affected areas.
