Heavy rain to hit Kenya from Saturday, Met warns

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall alert covering large parts of the country, warning residents to brace for potential floods from Saturday, February 21, to Wednesday, February 25, 2026. 

The advisory affects counties across the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi. It is expected to spread to the South-eastern Lowlands and Coastal region, particularly the South Coast.

According to Met, rainfall in the affected areas is likely to exceed 20mm within 24 hours on Saturday and may intensify to more than 30mm daily from Sunday to Tuesday (February 22-24). 

The intensity of the rainfall is expected to reduce on February 25.

Counties listed as high risk include Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Kakamega, Embu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, southern Tana River, and parts of Kilifi.

“We urge residents to take precautionary measures and monitor official updates closely. Heavy rainfall can cause sudden flooding even in areas that might not have experienced significant rain, so preparedness is critical," Kenya Met Acting Managing Director Edward Muriuki said in a statement.

The department has advised residents to avoid driving or walking through moving water, to be cautious in open fields, and to watch out for flash floods in low-lying areas and riverine regions. 

"Flood waters can move fast and may appear downstream from areas that are currently dry. People must exercise extreme caution,” the Muriuki added.

This advisory comes after weeks of sporadic rainfall across the country, with some regions already reporting waterlogging and minor flooding. 

Meteorologists warn that the upcoming rains are part of the seasonal weather patterns but may intensify due to changing climatic conditions.

Local authorities in high-risk areas have been urged to ensure drainage systems are cleared, schools and public facilities prepare for potential disruptions, and emergency services remain on standby. 

Residents in Nairobi and surrounding counties are reminded to monitor updates from KMD through its website, WhatsApp channel, and FASTA-Ken platform. 

The Department has also encouraged the public to follow county-specific forecasts to better understand local risks.

It emphasised that although the probability of heavy rainfall is moderate (33%–66% chance), the impact could be significant in flood-prone regions. 

"Even a moderate probability should not be taken lightly. Early action saves lives and reduces property damage,” Muriuki said.

Kenya has in the past experienced severe flooding following heavy rainfall, causing loss of life, property destruction, and disruption of transport networks. 

With this alert, authorities are urging residents to plan ahead, move valuables to safer areas, and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters under any circumstances.

The advisory remains valid from February 21, at 3 pm until February 25, 6 pm, with updates to be issued as conditions evolve.