Kenya on Flood Alert as Weatherman Warns of Heavy Rains

Kenya’s Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rainfall is expected across several regions from Saturday afternoon until early Tuesday, with an increased risk of flooding in affected areas.

Rainfall is forecast to begin in the south-eastern lowlands on 27 December, with amounts exceeding 20 millimetres within 24 hours. The intensity is expected to increase on 28 and 29 December, when some areas may record more than 30 millimetres in a day. The rains are then expected to extend to the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the southern coastal region, before gradually easing on 30 December.

Counties identified as being at higher risk include Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, southern Kitui, Taita Taveta and Kwale. Residents in these areas have been advised to remain alert for possible flooding, particularly in locations that are prone to seasonal inundation.

The department has also warned of strong southeasterly winds in Marsabit County, with speeds of up to 25 knots expected over the next five days. These conditions may affect transport and livelihoods, especially in pastoral areas.

In central parts of the country, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi, mornings are expected to be cloudy with light showers, followed by heavier rainfall later in the day. Temperatures in these areas are forecast to range from 5°C to 29°C. Similar conditions are expected in Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado and Taita Taveta, as well as inland areas of Tana River County, where daytime temperatures may reach 32°C.

Coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale, along with coastal areas of Tana River, are expected to experience frequent showers throughout the week. Daytime temperatures could rise to 34°C, with night-time temperatures around 23°C. In the Rift Valley, Nyanza and Western regions, rainfall is expected to occur both during the day and at night. 

Temperatures in these areas are forecast to range between 7°C and 32°C. Counties affected include Siaya, Kisumu, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Kakamega, Bungoma and Busia. Northern counties such as Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo are expected to remain mostly dry, with sunny conditions and temperatures rising to 37°C. 

Turkana and Samburu are also forecast to experience hot, dry days and partly cloudy nights with similar temperature ranges. The advisory has been shared with the Presidency, the Ministry of Environment, the National Disaster Operations Centre, county governments and humanitarian agencies. The Meteorological Department said it will issue further updates if weather conditions change.