The Near-Average to Below-Average rainfall forecast covers all Ukambani region, North-eastern Kenya and the Northwest. "Rainfall may be poorly distributed,  with intermittent dry spells that could affect agriculture,  pasture and water availability", said Edward Muriuki,  Ag. Director of the Kenya Meteorological Services. 

In terms of temperature range over the long rainfall season, the weatherman said the entire country will experience warmer-than-average temperatures,  increasing heat-related risks, especially in ASAL areas, coastal regions, and urban centres.

Kitui County CECM for Agriculture and Livestock Dr Mbaya Kimwele said while the Met forecast for March 2026 shows that rainfall will be near to below average,  it will have a slightly better performance than the OND 2025 season. "The rains are likely to start in the 3rd to 4th week of March and end by mid-May", he said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department weather forecast further indicates that the month of February will mostly be sunny and dry across most Wards of Kitui County. However,  occasional rainfall may be felt in high ground areas in the Western and Southern sectors.

The month of March,  on the other hand, is expected to mark the onset of rainfall season over several parts of the county.

The weatherman further anticipates April to be the peak of the March-April-May rainfall season with more widespread and enhanced rainfall distribution.

At the same time,  the week will be predominantly a hot one given the  maximum temperature will range between 25°C and 35°C. The minimum temperature, on the other hand, is not expected to be any better since it will go up to 24°C. 

The month of January has been marked by largely dry weather conditions. Met says the situation is expected to persist up to March 2026.  "Sunny and dry weather conditions will dominate most parts of the county ", writes county director for Meteorological Services Dr Daniel Mbithi in his weekly report. 

Despite above dry weather forecasts, the weatherman adds that both weekly and quarterly weather. forecasts may be marked by occasional rainfall in a few areas.

Rainfall forecast for the month of January 2026.|KMD

The weatherman further predicts strong winds are likely to blow across most parts of the expansive county at a speed of 25knots or 12.86m/s. The Kenya Meteorological Department notes that the wind will be blowing from southerly to south easterly side of the devolved unit.

The next three months will be mainly sunny and dry, according to weather forecast by KMD seen by MWINGI TIMES. "A few areas may experience occasional rainy days ", the report further reads in part.

 

Kitui County Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani.

During deliberations at a high level meeting held on December 18, 2025 stakeholders acknowledged a worsening trend which needs quick interventions.

The meeting co-chaired by Kitui County Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani and County Commissioner Erastus Mbui was also attended by Kitui county drought coordinator for NDMA Eunice Mutuku, development partners and line ministry staff from both national and county governments. 

The below average rainfall were characterised by false onset in late October leading to poor harvests, a report on the forum says.

As a result,  the County Steering Group came up with recommendations for better livelihoods of Kitui county residents. 

 They included scaling up food and cash assistance, rehabilitating water sources as well as supporting seed, kitchen gardens and small scale irrigation. The county will also enhance livestock diseases surveillance and strengthen nutrition screening and reporting.

Kenya Meteorological Department will play a key role in the drought phase given expected interventions are anchored on technical advice from KMD. Some of its recommendations include planting drought tolerant crops and aligning crop growing period with local rainy period. 

The weatherman also said going forward residents should embrace dry planting for better yields especially doing the  weeks before the onset of rains.

"Dry planting should happen a week before onset. Wet planting based on weekly forecast. Plant only when weekly forecast predicts more than three days of up to 20 mm rainfall", the report reads in part. It was based on OND rainfall season review by the weatherman.

Dr Augustine Kanani closed the meeting by appreciating all stakeholders and partners for taking part in the CSG meeting and their continued support.

January 2026 Rainfall Outlook. |KMD

However, a few places in Kitui County will get occassional rainfall. This is especially so in high altitude areas.

The latest weather forecast obtained by MWINGI TIMES from County Director of Meteoroloogical Services Daniel Mbithi further forecasts that the first three months of 2026 will be punctuated by sunny and dry conditions. This weather is likely to be experienced in most parts of the county. He stated that the OND rainfall season ceased and there was no onset of rainfall season.

A few areas, however, may experience occassional rainfall. There is also a likelihood of warmer than average temperatures in most parts of Kitui County between January and March.

As for this week, the maximum temperature range is expected to oscillate between 27°C and 35°C while the minimum thermometer reading will range from 14°C and 23°C.

As often predicted, strong southerly to south easterly winds will blow across most parts of the county at a speed of up to 25 knots or 12.86m/s.

Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Dr Daniel Mbithi addressing the media during a past interview. |MWINGI TIMES

However, mornings are likely to be cloudy. There will be sunny intervals later in the day, according to the Weekly forecast for Kitui County obtained by MWINGI TIMES.

"Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected over a few places, occassionally spreading to several places. Night showers are likely to occur over a few places", said Dr Daniel Mbithi, the County Director of Meteorological Services.

Additionally, most parts of Kitui County will experience strong south to south easterly winds. The weatherman said the winds will blow at a speed not exceeding 25 knots or 12.86 m/s.

The maximum temperature for this week will oscillate between 24°C and 35°C while the minimum temperature range will be felt anywhere between 16°C and 23°C.

Kitui County Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani (left) and Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kwa Kilui  Primary School in Kitui Rural on Friday.|MWINGI TIMES

Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui presided over the celebrations which were also graced by deputy governor Augustine Kanani.

Speaker Katisya appealed to County Commissioner Mbui to brief the Head of State of the urgent situation given little or no harvest is expected.

"The rains have performed poorly. We are on the brink of a serious famine. The national government needs to put in place contigency measures", said the youthful Speaker.

A weeded farm in Kalimbui sub location, Tseikuru district, Kitui county on November 24, 2025. Widespread failure of October-November-December rains is leading to poor harvest since crops never reached maturity.|MWINGI TIMES

Kitui county has faced several droughts since independence  and food security is a distant dream. With climate change exarcabating the situation, stakeholders have to act to minimise adverse effects of low harvests.

The Kenya Meteorological Department reiterates that the cessation of short rains in the county remains either the third or fourth week of December. This has been further corroborated by the weekly weather forecast where Daniel Mbithi, the County Director of Meteorological Services said, "most parts of the county will be sunny and dry with a possibility of morning rains as well as afternoon and night showers over a few places".

As for the month of December, the Met Department says that most parts of the county are likely to experience near average  to below average (generally depressed) rainfall.

Further,  the weatherman said that the season has been harsh for our farmers who depend on it for increased food security.  This is because most parts of the county did not receive sufficient rains to guarantee adequate harvests. 

"Most parts of the county are likely to experience near average to below average (generally depressed) rainfall", the Kitui met boss said.

The December dry spell will be exacerbated by continued dry conditions that came to define November. Generally, most parts of Kitui county experienced moderate to extremely dry conditions throughout the month", said Dr Daniel Mbithi.  This, was not enough to make farmers reap anything meaningful as the season comes to an end.

Temperature conditions will remain warmer than average for the rest of this week,  the Kenya Meteorological Department notes.  The maximum temperature range will oscillate between 25°C to 34°C while the minimum temperature range is expected to be from 15°C to 22°C.

This is an extraordinary leap given Kitui county was position 30 nationally the previous year.

Among the aspects examined during the ranking are TB surveillance,  data accuracy and overall quality of care.

Recently,  the Kitui county government carried out a comprehensive digitisation training on TB reporting in order to improve accuracy and enhance timeliness in TB surveillance across all hospitals. This includes strengthening real-time data entry. 

The county suffered negative publicity when misleading reports emerged in October this year claiming that TB patients were being placed in the same wards as non-TB patients at the Kitui County Referral Hospital.  Chief Officer for Public Health and Sanitation Lynn Kitwan strongly refuted the September allegations. 

"The claim that TB patients were being placed in the same wards with non-TB patients at KCRH in October is completely false.  The hospital observes strict infection prevention and control protocols,  ensuring the infectious TB cases are isolated appropriately and never mixed with general ward patients".

To improve TB detection efforts at the local levels,  the county installed an X-ray machine at Kanyangi Sub County Hospital and digital TB X-ray machines in Zombe and Kyuso hospitals to significantly enhance TB screening, diagnosis and treatment.

 The Kenya Meteorological Department notes that as such, most parts of Kitui county have remained sunny and dry since October.  However, significant rainfall was received towards the end of  October. 

But for the week leading up to December 1st, the weatherman says, "There is a possibility of morning rains as well as afternoon and night showers over a few places during the forecast period."

The week is expected to be relatively warm given the maximum temperature range of 24°C to 33°C has been forecasted by  the KMD.  There are also likely to be strong winds blowing from the south to south eastern side of the county.

The month of November November is expected to be marked by near to below average rainfall in Kitui County.  "Some few parts of  the county are likely to experience below average rainfall," said Dr Daniel Mbithi,  County Director of Meteorological Services.

Still, the weatherman acknowledged that climate change continues to affect weather forecasts and, as such, has urged members of the public to consult their respective local extension officers for more advice on best farm practices.

In order to overcome challenges of climate change, Kenyans should adapt to the phenomenon in order to leverage on the short rain season, hence better farm harvests.

One way of adapting to climate change is by planting drought tolerant crops like millet, sorghum, and cowpeas, among other indigenous plants able to survive erratic weather patterns in Kitui County.

Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Daniel Mbithi said that the distribution of rainfall is expected to be poor, with prolonged dry spells and isolated storms in some areas. 

"Temperatures are expected to be warmer than average over most parts of the county," said Dr Mbithi. 

In general,  the entire Kitui county will experience intermittent rainfall throughout the season. Rainfall amounts are likely to be below the long-term average for the season. Still, rainfall is expected to be poorly distributed in both space and time.

Kenya Meteorological Department reiterates that this is not the onset of October-November- December rains. 

Further, the weatherman forecast shows that there will be a long dry spell after cessation of rains awaiting the forecast onset.

Earlier, the Met department had predicated that the OND seasons will start from third to fourth week of November 2025.

Trees exhale for us so that we can inhale to stay alive. Can we ever forget that? Let us love trees with every breath we take until we perish. "Until you dig a hole, you plant a tree, you water it and make it survive, you haven't done a thing. You are just talking." Wangari Maathai. 

There are more life forms in a handful of forest soil than there are people on the planet. Time spent amongst trees is never wasted time. “Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.” Kahlil Gabran. 

Learn character from trees, values from roots and change from leaves. Go forth under the open sky and listen to nature’s teachings. “Change is never easy and it often creates discord but when people come together for the good of humanity and the earth, we can accomplish great things.” David Suzuki. 

When one plants a tree they plant themselves. Every root is an anchor, over which one rests with grateful interests, and becomes sufficiently calm to feel the joy of living. The one who plants trees knowing that he or she will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life. There is no Wi-Fi in the forest but I promise you will find a better connection. 

Together we can preserve the forest, securing this immense treasure for the future of generations to come after us. Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.

Trees are like the veins of our planet, carrying the life blood of the air, water and wildlife around it. Trees are the best monuments that a man can erect to his own memory. They speak his praises without flattery and they are blessings to children yet unborn. “The trees are God’s great alphabet: With them He writes in shining green across the world His thoughts are serene.” Leonora Speyer.

Love is like a tree, it grows of its own accord, it puts down deep roots into our whole being. “A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” Franklin D. Roosevelt. When trees burn, they leave the smell of heartbreak in the air.

A general outlook of below normal rainfall is expected. It will be poorly distributed both in time and space. "However, a few areas may experience occasional rainfall at the beginning of the month which will be followed by a dry spell", said KMD Director for Kitui County Dr Daniel Mbithi.

Consequently, since the weather forecast is predicted to be below normal, farmers should grow drought tolerant crops such as sorghum, millet, cowpeas and green grams.

Due to the challenges of climate change, residents were advised to harvest water during the upcoming wet period. 

Throughout this season, locals and visitors are cautioned about prevalence of strong winds blowing in the southern and south easterly direction at a speed of over 25 knots or 12.86m/s.

‎"This a compelling reminder that pharmacists are not only custodians of medicines but also central architects of stronger health systems and better health outcomes," said Dr. Muthini.

‎In a statement he issued  on Thursday during the celebration of the World Pharmacist Day, he said the day's mantra;  Think Health, Think Pharmacists, goes beyond just a mere slogan.

‎"The role of pharmacists has evolved far beyond the traditional image of just dispensing medicines. Today, pharmacists are at the frontline in healthcare delivery," he said.

‎He noted that despite a myriad of hiccups facing the health system, pharmacists remain a largely untapped health care workforce.

‎He added that the workforce had the potential to address some of the most pressing health care challenges.

‎"This entails ensuring equitable access to quality medicines and supplies, promoting safe and rational drug use, geared towards fight against antimicrobial resistance," he pointed.

‎Dr. Muthini lamented that despite the huge potential, financial constraints have forced the government to deploy non-professionals to perform the roles and responsibilities that require the expertise of trained pharmacists.

‎"While such measures may save costs in the short term, this exposes patients to avoidable risks, compromise medicine optimization, and erode public trust in healthcare systems," he observed.

‎The pharmacist  at the Kitui County Referral Hospital Cancer Centre further rued that the long-term social and economic costs of such shortcuts far outweighed any perceived savings.

‎He said pharmacists ensure functionality of supply chain and use of medicines and health technologies, administer vaccinations and offer preventive and promotive health services.

‎Further, he added, they play a pivotal role in combating antimicrobial resistance through stewardship programs and rational antibiotic use.

‎They are also instrumental in raising health literacy across communities, leading public health campaigns, and being key players in patient care.

‎The areas, he added , include hospital wards to the specialized clinics in oncology, HIV, tuberculosis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other non-communicable conditions.

‎"Through these wide range of contributions in the health care system, pharmacists provide safe, effective, and cost-efficient care that not only improves individual patient outcomes but also strengthens the entire health systems," he said.

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The rain whose onset is expected to be from the third to forth week of November is expected to be below average.

"Most parts of the northeast and southeastern lowlands and coastal region are expected to receive below average rainfall", wrote Charles Mugah, for the Acting Director of Meteorological Services.

He goes on to say, "Southeastern lowland counties-Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Machakos- expected to receive intermittent rainfall throughout the season. Total rainfall amounts are likely to be below the long term average for the season. Rainfall expected to be poorly distributed both in space and time".

The government further advises Kenyans to brace for prolonged dry spells and isolated storms during the short rains which have delayed onset and early cessation tentatively set for the third or fourth week of December 2025.

During the forecast period, the weatherman further expects that temperature will be warmer than average over most parts of the country.