Kenyans living in the Coast, Northeastern, Western, Rift Valley, Central Kenya, and Southeastern Lowlands have been warned to brace for heavy rains within the next 24 hours, including in Nairobi.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) on Friday, October 23, said Kenyans in these regions will experience more than 20 millimetres of rainfall between October 24 and October 30, 2026.
According to the weatherman, the anticipated rain will be accompanied by strong winds exceeding 46 kilometres per hour, particularly over coastal, eastern and northern regions.
"Moderate to heavy rains exceeding 20 mm are anticipated over the counties in Coast, Northeastern, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Central Highlands," Kenya Met stated.
Motorists using a flooded highway during cold and rainy weather in Nairobi
KNA
Affected counties include Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi and Uasin Gishu.
Others are Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Narok, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni, as well as parts of Nairobi.
Residents in the affected counties were urged to be on the lookout for flash floods, which could occur even in areas that have not experienced heavy rainfall, particularly those located downstream.
Kenyans were also advised to avoid sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during thunderstorms and to remain hydrated in hot regions.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas should remain vigilant for potential flash floods and poor visibility. Note that floodwaters may occur in areas where it has not rained heavily, particularly downstream,” Kenya Met noted.
Kenya Met also predicted ocean wave heights exceeding two metres on Sunday, October 25, urging fishers, mariners and other people engaging in maritime activities to exercise caution.
The latest warning comes as Kenyans continue to await the much-anticipated El Niño-enhanced October-November-December rain season, which had been projected to begin in some areas during the second to third week of October.
However, the onset has been delayed in several regions, with some parts of the country continuing to experience sunny and dry conditions and unusually high temperatures despite earlier forecasts.
Floods along Waiyaki Way during rains experienced on June 1, 2024.
Photo
Washington Mito