Kenya Met Issues Flood And Landslide Alert As Heavy Rains Persist Until May 1

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has issued a comprehensive weather advisory warning that heavy rainfall is expected to persist across large parts of the country through May 1, with Nairobi and numerous counties likely to experience sustained downpours.

In its latest weekly forecast, Kenya Met emphasized that the ongoing rainy conditions will continue to affect both urban and rural areas, raising concerns about safety, infrastructure, and daily activities.

According to Kenya Met, the rains will not be limited to few counties but will stretch across a wide geographical area.

Counties expected to experience significant rainfall include Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kakamega, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Turkana, and Marsabit. Some of these regions are expected to receive particularly intense rainfall, which could heighten the risk of flooding and landslides.

The agency explained that the rainfall will mainly affect the Highlands both east and west of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley region itself, coastal areas, northeastern Kenya, and the capital city.

These widespread conditions mean that millions of residents could be impacted, either directly through flooding or indirectly through disruptions to transport and essential services.

In addition to the heavy rains, Kenya Met has warned of reduced visibility during storms, which may significantly disrupt both road travel and aviation. Motorists are being urged to exercise extreme caution, especially during peak traffic hours in the early mornings and evenings when congestion is typically at its highest.

Poor visibility combined with slippery roads could increase the likelihood of accidents, making careful driving essential.

The weather agency has also issued important safety advice to the public. Kenyans are strongly discouraged from seeking shelter under trees or near grilled windows during storms, as these areas pose serious risks during lightning strikes and strong winds.

Open spaces and densely populated neighborhoods are particularly vulnerable, and residents are encouraged to prioritize safer indoor shelter.

Another major concern highlighted in the advisory is the rising level of rivers and water bodies. Even in areas that may not currently be experiencing heavy rainfall, upstream downpours could cause rivers to swell unexpectedly, leading to sudden downstream flooding.

This unpredictable pattern increases the danger for communities living near riverbanks, as floods could occur with little warning.

Residents in flood-prone regions such as Nairobi, Kisumu, and Garissa are being urged to stay vigilant, closely monitor official weather updates, and consider relocating early if water levels begin to rise rapidly. Early preparedness, authorities stress, could be the difference between safety and disaster.

Particular attention has also been drawn to areas around the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya, including parts of Nyeri, Murang’a, and Meru counties. These regions are especially vulnerable because continuous rainfall can saturate the soil, increasing the likelihood of landslides and ground instability.

Interestingly, despite the ongoing rains, some regions, particularly along the coast and in northeastern Kenya, are expected to continue experiencing high daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C.

Counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Turkana will remain گرم, creating a mix of hot and wet conditions that could be uncomfortable for residents.

On the other hand, colder nighttime temperatures are expected in highland regions such as Nyandarua and Nakuru, as well as areas near Mount Kilimanjaro, including Kajiado and Taita Taveta. In these areas, temperatures could drop below 10°C, leading to chilly nights and early mornings.

This latest weather alert comes after a recent period of severe weather disruptions that had temporarily eased. Earlier heavy rains caused devastating floods and landslides across the country, resulting in the loss of more than 100 lives, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society.

The disaster drew international attention and underscored the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events.

The impact extended beyond human casualties, with critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges suffering extensive damage. In response, both county and national governments have been working on measures aimed at improving disaster preparedness and preventing similar destruction in the future.

As the rains continue, authorities are urging the public to remain alert, follow safety guidelines, and take proactive steps to protect lives and property during this extended.

Read Also: KeNHA Issues Safety Alert as Floods Cut Off Key Kitale-Morpus Road