Kenya Braces for Extended Period of Heavy Rainfall

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a warning for widespread and intense rainfall across the country starting on Saturday and continuing until Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 6:00 pm.

Residents in various regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the western and eastern highlands flanking the Rift Valley (encompassing Nairobi), the southeastern lowlands, the coastal region, and the northern areas, should be prepared for significant downpours. Rainfall exceeding 40 millimetres in 24 hours is anticipated on Sunday, April 14th. The KMD expects the rainfall to intensify from April 15th to 18th with coastal areas potentially experiencing over 50 millimetres within a 24-hour timeframe.

Director of Meteorological Services David Gikungu cautions that these heavy rains may be accompanied by strong gusts of wind, large ocean waves, and powerful southerly winds, particularly in the southeastern region. Certain counties are at heightened risk for flooding, flash floods, and reduced visibility due to the impending weather conditions. These counties include Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Marsabit, Garissa, and Isiolo.

Residents in these areas, and particularly those downstream from potential flooding zones, are urged to exercise caution. The KMD emphasizes the importance of staying clear of moving water, open fields, and avoiding sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during lightning storms. Additionally, residents should be aware of the potential for strong winds to damage structures and disrupt marine activities due to large waves.

To enhance public awareness and preparedness during this period, the KMD has launched a new mobile application called FASTA (Forecasting African Storms Application). FASTA provides real-time weather updates and forecasts storm development up to two hours in advance. The app offers two key features: "storm regions" displaying current storm activity and "storm rainfall" showing ongoing precipitation levels. This initiative comes in response to the recent heavy rainfall events that have caused significant damage across the country.