The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rains and potential flooding across several parts of the country beginning Thursday, October 23, and continuing through October 30.
According to the advisory, parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the Highlands West of the Rift Valley are already experiencing rainfall, but the intensity is expected to increase in the coming days. The weatherman forecasts that rainfall intensity could exceed 30 millimetres within 24 hours, with showers spreading to the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi and Kiambu.
The KMD further indicated that from October 30, the rains are likely to extend into parts of the North Eastern region, marking the onset of the October to December short rain season across many parts of Kenya.
Counties expected to experience above-average rainfall include Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kakamega, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Bungoma, Narok, Nakuru, and Turkana, among others. The advisory also lists Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, and Machakos as high-risk areas for flooding and landslides.
Residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution, as the heavy rains may trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying and hilly regions such as the slopes of Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare ranges.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods. Floodwaters may appear even in places where it has not rained heavily,” KMD cautioned.
In Nairobi, the threat is heightened due to poor drainage systems, which often lead to urban flooding during heavy downpours. Motorists are warned against driving through flooded roads, while pedestrians are advised to avoid walking near stormwater channels.
Additionally, the public is urged to stay away from open fields, trees, and power lines during thunderstorms, as lightning strikes pose serious risks during intense rain episodes.
