The Ministry of Health has identified 21 counties in Kenya as being at high risk of disease outbreaks due to the anticipated above-normal rainfall from October to December.

• 99 per cent probability of above-normal rainfall forecasted by the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA).
• The identified counties include Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Lamu, Kilifi, and areas prone to landslides and flooding.
• The advisory warns of contaminated water sources and increased mosquito breeding, leading to risks of cholera, typhoid, malaria, and dengue fever.

The Kiambu County Government is defending its piglet distribution program against accusations that it contributed to an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak that has killed 1,470 pigs on over 20 farms since mid-May.

• ASF has resulted in significant losses for farmers, with some experiencing 100% mortality rates.
• The county asserts that piglets distributed through its program are sourced from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), a national research institution, and denies any link to the outbreak.
• The disease is a national challenge, with significant outbreaks also reported in Tharaka-Nithi, Busia, and other counties, underscoring the need for biosecurity measures and farmer support.

Kenya is set to host the Kenya Public Health International Conference, KEPHIC 2026, from October 27 to 29 in Nairobi. The conference will focus on critical public health issues including disease prevention, pandemic preparedness, and climate-related health risks.

• The event aims to strengthen health systems and improve preparedness for health emergencies, especially in light of anticipated El Niño rains.
• Key figures include Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, who is coordinating preparations.
• The conference addresses ongoing public health threats, with Kenya having recorded 1,309 mpox cases and 469 measles cases as of September 12.

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) forecasts continued rainfall in Kenya's Coastal, Rift Valley, and Western regions. This weather pattern is attributed to the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), a tropical weather system currently in phases one and two.

• Rainfall is expected across numerous counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
• Principal Meteorologist Jemimah Gacheru explained the MJO's influence on regional rainfall.
• Night-time temperatures could drop below 10°C in some highland areas, while daytime temperatures may exceed 30°C in northern and coastal regions.