Kenya Met Warns Of Moderate Flood Risk In Several Counties As Heavy Rains Loom

The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has issued a warning of a moderate flood risk in several parts of the country this week, including Nairobi, as heavy rains are expected between April 7 and April 13, 2026.

The alert was issued through the agency’s Biometeorological Weekly Bulletin, which highlights potentially hazardous weather conditions in multiple regions across the country. According to the bulletin, several counties are likely to experience significant rainfall that could lead to flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Among the areas expected to be most affected are Murang’a County, Nyeri County, Embu County, Kirinyaga County, Meru County and Tharaka Nithi County, which are forecast to receive cumulative rainfall exceeding 50 millimetres during the week. Meteorologists warn that such rainfall levels within a short period could easily trigger flooding, particularly in urban centres and areas with poor drainage systems.

“Few places in counties such as Nairobi, Murang’a, Nyeri, Embu, Kirinyaga, Meru and Tharaka Nithi in the Highlands East of Rift Valley are expected to receive cumulative rainfall above 50mm during the forecast period,” Kenya Met noted in its bulletin.

Heavy rainfall is also expected in several counties in western and southwestern Kenya. These include Kisii County, Bomet County, Migori County, Homa Bay County, Kericho County, Narok County, Vihiga County, Busia County and Kakamega County, where similar downpours could result in localized flooding.

In northern Kenya, Moyale in Marsabit County has been singled out as a high-concern area. The region is projected to receive rainfall totals exceeding 50mm, placing it under a moderate flood risk through April 13. This development is particularly notable given that the region had been experiencing prolonged dry conditions earlier this year and towards the end of last year.

Elsewhere, Kitui County and Taita Taveta County are also expected to record above-normal rainfall levels during the same period, with scattered showers and isolated heavy downpours likely in some areas.

Beyond flooding concerns, the expected rainfall is also raising public health alarms. According to Kenya Met, stagnant water resulting from flooding could create favourable breeding grounds for mosquitoes, significantly increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These include Malaria, Dengue Fever, Rift Valley Fever and Chikungunya across the affected regions.

Waterborne diseases are also likely to rise if floodwaters contaminate drinking water sources. Health officials warn that outbreaks of Cholera, Diarrhoea and Typhoid Fever could occur, particularly in communities with limited access to clean and safe water.

“There is an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Rift Valley Fever and chikungunya, as well as waterborne diseases including cholera, diarrhoea and typhoid due to rainfall and stagnant waters,” Kenya Met emphasized in its advisory.

Meanwhile, cold temperatures are expected to compound the health risks in several highland areas. Parts of Nyandarua County, Nyeri County and Meru County are forecast to record minimum temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius or lower, which is below the normal range for this time of year.

In particular, Nyahururu in Nyandarua County faces heightened health concerns due to the cold weather. The bulletin warns of a moderate risk of respiratory illnesses such as Pneumonia, Influenza, Bronchitis and Asthma among residents.

Children, the elderly and individuals living with chronic health conditions are considered the most vulnerable to cold-related complications, including cardiovascular stress. Authorities are therefore urging families to take extra precautions to protect members of these groups.

Kenya Met has advised residents in affected counties to take preventive measures, including draining stagnant water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites, sleeping under treated mosquito nets and avoiding flooded roads and areas prone to landslides.

Residents in colder highland regions have also been urged to dress warmly and closely monitor weather updates from the department as the country braces for a week of potentially hazardous weather conditions.

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