The weather can be a fickle companion. One moment it’s warm and golden, the next your child is shivering with a stubborn runny nose. While many prepared parents are being caught off guard, the cold and grey weather is a regional reality across much of East Africa.
As of February 2026, a weak La Niña is causing persistent morning cloudiness and unseasonal afternoon thunderstorms in Nairobi, the Central Highlands, and Western Kenya, while Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi are simultaneously experiencing wetter-than-usual conditions with significant temperature dips. While northern Kenya and eastern Tanzania remain hot and dry, this is true in the highlands and the Lake Victoria Basin.
The good news is that you don’t have to be at the mercy of the weather; adopting a few simple, proactive habits can keep your family warm, healthy, and comfortable despite the gloom. To help you navigate this chilly stretch, here is how you can protect your household and stay ahead of the weather curve.
Dress them in multiple-layer clothing
Dress your child in layers rather than one thick sweater. Start with a light vest or t-shirt, add a fleece or a sweater, and top with a light jacket if required. When it’s sunny, you can take off layers one by one depending on the weather. Be sure to add socks and a beanie since cold feet and ears can cause discomfort.
Also Read: Tips for Dressing Your Kids For Unpredictable Weather
Add some Vitamin C to their diet
The chilly season demands more of your child’s immune system. Make sure to add vitamin C-rich food to the daily diet, like guavas, oranges, pawpaw, tomatoes, spinach, and cook their food with ginger, turmeric and garlic. They are inexpensive, readily available, and effective at supporting their body’s natural defence system. You can also offer some honey to soothe their throats if your child is above one year.
Consult with your pharmacist about a supplement suitable for your child.
Propolis
Another powerhouse is propolis. It is a bee-made natural substance that exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can find it in many pharmacies in the form of drops or sprays. Be sure to ask your doctor first or choose an alcohol-free one for kids, particularly if they are allergic to bee products.
It does not cure; it is only a useful addition to a wholesome routine that helps to keep flu and tonsils at bay.
Let them continue with their routine
It’s tempting to keep your child inside, especially if the weather is chilly, since it feels safer and easier to manage. However, children still need fresh air, sunshine, and space to run around. Allow them to play outdoors when it’s warmest during the day. Dress them well, but bring them in when it gets cold again.
When kids have a bit of outdoor time, it helps them sleep better, eat better, and just be happier.
Make your home warm and comfortable
Warm meals, including uji, soup, sweet potatoes, and lentils, will help maintain their energy. Urge your child to drink water even when they don’t feel thirsty. Adding an extra blanket for colder nights will make them comfortable.
The cold season is just a few months. Ensure your family stays safe and healthy with sufficient clothing, nourishing food, and simple care essentials each day.
Seek immediate medical attention at your nearest health facility if your child develops a persistent fever or is having difficulty breathing.
The secret to navigating this season is staying informed and adaptable. The clouds will eventually break. Until then, keep those sweaters close, and your family’s health a top priority.
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