Authorities Warn of Heavy Rains Across Kenya During Idd-ul-Fitr

Kenya has issued a nationwide safety alert as heavy rainfall is expected from Friday through the Idd-ul-Fitr holiday weekend, with conditions likely to ease on Tuesday.

The Meteorological Department has warned that the rains will intensify during the holiday period, affecting large parts of the country including Nairobi, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the central highlands. Although the heaviest downpours are forecast during the celebrations, showers are expected to persist across many regions.

The timing raises concern as many people will be travelling and gathering for Idd-ul-Fitr. Authorities have advised residents to take precautions, particularly in flood-prone areas. They have warned against crossing flooded rivers and seeking shelter under trees during storms. 

Communities in landslide-prone areas, especially the Aberdares and the slopes of Mount Kenya, have been urged to remain alert. Heavy rainfall is expected across a wide range of counties, from Turkana and Samburu in the north to coastal areas such as Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale. 

Major urban centres, including Nairobi, Kisumu and Nakuru, are also at risk. Officials caution that even regions not directly affected by intense rainfall may experience flash floods due to the unpredictable nature of the weather system.

The alert follows severe flooding that has already resulted in 73 deaths nationwide. The Ministry of Interior reports that nearly 69,000 people have been displaced, with many more affected through damage to homes, property and livelihoods.

Schools, markets, roads and key infrastructure, including water and electricity networks, have been disrupted. Twenty-one counties have been affected, with Nairobi, Kisumu, Narok and Migori among the hardest hit.

A multi-agency response has been deployed, involving the Kenya Defence Forces, police, county authorities, engineers, humanitarian organisations and utility providers. These teams are conducting rescue operations, restoring essential services and providing assistance to displaced residents. The Kenya Red Cross is among the organisations coordinating relief efforts.

The government has called on the public to prioritise safety during the holiday period and to support vulnerable communities.