Kenya is bracing for five days of intense and prolonged rainfall.
This is according to a forecast issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department. The advisory warns of potential disruptions and urges residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to exercise caution. The most immediate impact is expected in the Highlands regions both east and west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, South-Eastern Lowlands, and Coastal areas. These regions are forecast to receive heavy downpours, primarily in the form of afternoon thunderstorms and nighttime showers.
Specific counties anticipating recurring rainfall include Siaya, Kisumu, and Homa Bay in the west, along with Trans Nzoia, Kericho, and Nakuru in the Rift Valley. The southeastern counties of Machakos and Kitui are also expected to experience periodic showers. While northern Kenya will see a mixed weather pattern, Turkana and Samburu counties should anticipate significant rainfall through the weekend, with a respite expected early next week. Marsabit and Garissa counties will experience occasional downpours interspersed with periods of clearer skies.
The Central region, including Nairobi, Nyeri, and Murang'a, will face a combination of thunderstorms and showers during the afternoons, likely disrupting daily activities. Coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale, accustomed to sporadic rains, are projected to experience more consistent rainfall during both day and night, with clearer skies anticipated at the beginning of the following week.
Meteorologist Mary Githinji stresses that these seasonal rains could exacerbate existing challenges in vulnerable areas susceptible to flooding or poor drainage. The advisory highlights potential disruptions to transportation, agriculture, and livelihoods. The forecast underscores the urgent need for preparedness, especially in urban areas where infrastructure may struggle to cope with heavy rainfall.