The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rains alert for several parts of the country, starting Sunday, March 9. According to Director Dr. David Gikungu, rainfall is expected to exceed 20mm in affected regions, with intensity increasing to over 30mm within 24 hours on March 10.
Areas set to experience the downpour include parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, and southeastern lowlands. The rainfall is expected to spread to northwestern Kenya before gradually reducing in intensity from March 11.
Counties likely to be impacted include Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Baringo, Nakuru, and Trans-Nzoia. Others are Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Turkana, Marsabit, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, and Kajiado.
Residents in these areas have been advised to brace for potential floods, flash floods, and poor visibility. The weatherman has also cautioned against seeking shelter under trees and near grilled windows to reduce the risk of lightning strikes.
The advisory comes as Kenya prepares for the long rains season, which typically spans from March to May. This period is characterized by heavy rainfall, with the peak usually occurring in April, especially around the Easter holiday. The Kenya Meteorological Department has highlighted that this season brings the highest rainfall amounts of over 300mm in regions such as the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Central and South Rift Valley, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley—including Nairobi—and the Coastal Strip.
Authorities urge the public to stay informed through official weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. Further updates will be provided should there be any changes in the forecast.
