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El Niño rains could affect schools: What parents and students should prepare for
27th August, 2026 11:09 AM
The expected El Niño rains are raising fresh concerns for Kenyan families as the October-December rainy season approaches, with the 2026 national examination period set to take place during the same period.
The warning follows the 13th National Climate Outlook Forum, held in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 26, where experts discussed the October-December 2026 rainfall outlook. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority has forecast above-normal rainfall across much of the country, with some areas expected to experience prolonged wet spells and isolated storms.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has also warned that the Greater Horn of Africa is likely to experience wetter-than-normal conditions in the final quarter of 2026 as El Niño strengthens. It says excessive rainfall could increase the risk of flooding, damage infrastructure and disrupt access to essential services.
What the rains could mean for examinations
The timing of the expected rains is a major concern because they are likely to coincide with national examinations. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has already published the 2026 KCSE timetable, confirming that the examination is proceeding under the scheduled programme.
The Ministry of Education has said preparations are being made for areas where flooding could make some examination centres difficult to access. Among the measures being considered are relocating vulnerable centres and using alternative transport arrangements where roads become impassable.
For parents, this means keeping up with communication from schools and ensuring candidates have reliable arrangements for getting to examination centres, particularly in areas that regularly experience flooding.
How families can prepare early
Parents do not need to wait for the rains to intensify before making preparations. Families with candidates can begin by checking the routes between home and school and identifying alternatives in case roads become flooded.
Students should also avoid last-minute travel arrangements during examination days and keep essential items protected from rain. Parents with children in boarding schools can also stay informed about the school’s food and supply arrangements.
The weather outlook is not a guarantee that every part of Kenya will experience severe flooding. However, the WMO says excessive rainfall can increase flood risks, making early preparation important.
With the rains expected to begin in some areas as early as September and become more widespread during the October-December season, early planning could help families reduce disruptions while allowing students to concentrate on their examinations.
