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The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a cautionary alert for heavy rainfall expected to begin on Sunday, March 9th, across several regions of the country.
Residents are urged to exercise caution as the downpour is forecast to intensify, posing a significant risk of flooding and flash floods. The department anticipates rainfall exceeding 20mm in the initially affected areas, escalating to over 30mm within a 24-hour period starting Monday, March 10th. The rains are expected to spread towards parts of northwestern Kenya before easing around March 11th, according to Dr. David Gikungu, Director of Kenya Meteorological Services.
Specific regions expected to experience the most significant impact include the Lake Victoria Basin, portions of the Rift Valley, the highlands both west and east of the Rift Valley (including the Nairobi metropolitan area), and the southeastern lowlands. The advisory specifically names counties such as Narok, Kericho, Kisumu, Nyeri, Bomet, Bungoma, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kisii, Nyandarua and Turkana as areas of heightened concern.
Citizens are advised to avoid seeking shelter under trees or near grilled windows during thunderstorms due to the increased risk of lightning strikes. The Meteorological Department has pledged to issue further updates as needed if the forecast evolves. This advisory coincides with the anticipated onset of Kenya's long rains season, which typically extends from March to May. Historically, April sees the heaviest rainfall, often coinciding with the Easter holiday period.
"Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility. People are advised not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes," the weatherman advises.
Regions like the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central and South Rift Valley, the highlands east of the Rift Valley, and the coastal strip are known to receive seasonal rainfall exceeding 300mm. These rains are critical for agricultural productivity and replenishing water resources across the country. While the seasonal rains are vital, they also present considerable challenges, including potential damage to infrastructure, displacement of communities, and heightened public health risks.