Record Temperature: 2024 was the hottest year on record in Kenya.
Rainfall Variability: In 2024, the western and central highlands experienced above-normal rainfall, while most other regions saw drier-than-average conditions.
Tropical Cyclones: The 2023–24 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was an above-average season, including ten named storms, six tropical cyclones and two intense tropical cyclones. Despite its moderate activity, it was the least deadly and destructive season in three years.
Flooding: The March to May 2024 season brought above-average rainfall, with some areas receiving 111-200% of their long-term mean. Widespread flooding affected over 100,000 households, causing more than KSh 400 million in damages across coastal regions. Crop losses, infrastructure destruction, and livestock deaths further worsened food insecurity and economic losses.
Drought: The poor short rains led to a sharp increase in food insecurity, rising from 1 million people in July 2024 to 2.15 million by February 2025, with 265,900 in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and 1.88 million in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis).
Food Security: The year began with improvements in food security due to above-average long rains but ended with a sharp deterioration following the poor performance of the short rains, leading to widespread food insecurity and humanitarian needs.
Health: Overall, the rains led to significant humanitarian and public health challenges in Kenya. The displacement of populations, damage to infrastructure, and outbreak of diseases underscored the critical need for coordinated emergency response, disease surveillance, and preventive measures to mitigate future impacts.
Renewable Energy: Hydropower generation rebounded in 2024, reducing reliance on costly thermal power. However, below-normal rainfall in late 2024 and a forecasted dry March to May 2025 season are expected to negatively impact output in 2025/26.
Looking Ahead (March-May 2025): Warmer-than-average temperatures are expected across the entire country and below-average rainfall is expected over the northeastern regions and the north coast.
Climate Services Provision: Effective climate services are essential for safety, economic growth, and environmental protection, supporting national and global goals like Kenya’s Vision 2030, the SDGs, and the Sendai Framework. Kenya’s National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) enhances climate information delivery through regional and national outlook forums and participatory scenario planning, but data availability remains fundamental to improving these services.
Enhancing Climate Data: KMD operates 41 synoptic observation stations, including airport and agrometeorological sites, but their sparse distribution falls below WMO standards, highlighting the need for increased investment in maintenance and expansion, with initiatives like SOFF offering potential support to enhance Kenya’s observational network for improved early warning systems