Kenya’s 2025 State of Climate report has revealed that the first eight months of the year were among the hottest on record for the country, with near-surface temperatures running 1.42 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial averages. The findings confirm that the warming trend documented in 2024 — Kenya’s hottest year in recorded history — shows no sign of slowing, raising urgent questions about food security, water supply and public health across the country.
The 1.42В°C anomaly recorded between January and August 2025 is particularly significant in the context of global climate commitments. The Paris Agreement set a target of limiting warming to 1.5В°C above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst climate outcomes, meaning Kenya is already operating close to that threshold. Scientists note that equatorial land regions such as East Africa tend to warm faster than the global average, and Kenya’s diverse geography — spanning the Indian Ocean coast, highland plateaus and the vast arid north — means the effects are felt unevenly across communities and economic sectors.
Alongside rising temperatures, the 2025 report documented stark regional differences in rainfall distribution. Parts of the highlands and western counties experienced above-average precipitation, while arid and semi-arid lands in the north and northeast received far less than seasonal norms. This uneven pattern has complicated planning for both small-scale farmers and county governments managing water resources. Agricultural experts warn that growing unpredictability in the long and short rains seasons makes it increasingly difficult for Kenyan farmers to set planting calendars, threatening staple crops such as maize, beans and sorghum that millions of households depend on for food and income.
The climate instability translated into a series of damaging extreme weather events across the country throughout the year. Heatwaves affected urban centres and rural communities alike, with health authorities reporting spikes in heat-related illness. Flooding in low-lying areas and informal settlements displaced thousands of residents and caused widespread damage to roads, bridges and homes. Strong winds caused structural damage in several counties, while cold spells — particularly in highland areas — stressed livestock and left vulnerable populations at risk. Disease outbreaks, including waterborne illnesses linked to flooding, placed additional strain on healthcare systems already under pressure.
The 2025 climate findings carry serious implications for Kenya’s development ambitions. Agriculture employs more than 40 percent of Kenya’s workforce and contributes significantly to GDP, making it highly exposed to climate variability. Water scarcity driven by erratic rainfall also threatens hydroelectric power generation, on which Kenya relies for a major share of its national grid. The government and development partners face growing pressure to accelerate investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, drought-tolerant crop varieties and community early warning systems. With global temperatures projected to keep rising, the 2025 report is a stark reminder that Kenya’s adaptation strategies must move at far greater speed and scale to protect the livelihoods of its more than 55 million citizens.
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