Kenya Braces For Flooding As Kenya Met Warns Of Heavy Rainfall

Several regions across Kenya are bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next 24 hours, according to the latest weather outlook issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met).

Kenya Met has warned that the downpours, might exceed 50 millimetres in some areas, raising concerns over possible flooding and transport disruptions.

In an official notice, Kenya Met indicated that widespread rainfall will affect large swathes of the country, particularly in the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Central Highlands, and the South East Lowlands. These regions are forecast to receive very heavy rainfall, with isolated areas likely to experience intense and potentially severe storms within the 24-hour window.

Counties expected to bear the brunt of the heavy rains include Kisumu, Siaya, Baringo, Trans Nzoia, Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Makueni, and Taita Taveta, among others. In these areas, residents should prepare for persistent showers that could last several hours, leading to water accumulation in low-lying zones and significant runoff in urban centres.

Major towns and cities such as Nairobi and Kisumu may experience traffic snarl-ups due to waterlogged roads and reduced visibility. Meanwhile, counties in the Western region, including Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, and Busia, are projected to record moderate to heavy rainfall ranging between 20mm and 50mm. Although slightly lower than the levels forecast in other regions, this amount of rain is still substantial and could disrupt farming activities, local transport, and outdoor events.

In contrast, Northern and northeastern counties are expected to remain largely dry and sunny throughout the forecast period. Residents in these arid and semi-arid areas are unlikely to experience the storms affecting the southern half of the country, as weather systems concentrate moisture further south.

“The forecast indicates widespread rainfall across the southern parts of the country over the next 24 hours. Rainfall amounts are expected to range from moderate to heavy, with isolated very heavy (severe) rainfall in some areas,” the Kenya Meteorological Department stated in part of its advisory.

The department has cautioned that the anticipated downpours may trigger localized flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Urban centres with inadequate drainage systems could see flash floods, while rural areas near rivers and streams may experience rising water levels.

Additionally, motorists have been warned about slippery roads and reduced visibility during heavy storms, conditions that significantly increase the risk of road accidents.

Residents living in flood-prone zones have been urged to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, including clearing drainage channels and securing property against potential water damage. The department specifically advised against attempting to cross flooded rivers or roads, noting that even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep away vehicles and pedestrians.

Kenyans have also been encouraged to closely monitor weather updates through the department’s official website and social media platforms to stay informed about any changes in the forecast or additional advisories.

The latest announcement comes just two days after the department issued an earlier alert indicating that intense rainfall would likely affect most parts of the country from Friday, February 20, through Tuesday, February 25. In that advisory, the agency projected a 33 per cent to 66 per cent probability of moderate to heavy rainfall in several regions during the five days.

The advisory further warned that floodwaters can accumulate in areas where rainfall may not appear heavy, especially downstream from regions experiencing intense storms. “Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream. People are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields,” the notice read in part.

As the rainy spell intensifies, authorities are expected to remain on high alert, particularly in counties that have previously experienced flooding during heavy rainfall seasons. Emergency response teams may be deployed in vulnerable areas should the situation escalate. For now, residents are being urged to exercise caution, plan their travel carefully, and prioritize safety as the country experiences another bout of intense weather.

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