The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has warned that heavy rainfall will persist across much of the country over the weekend, keeping the risk of flooding, landslides, and water contamination high.
In its Heavy Rainfall Advisory issued on March 3 and valid until March 9 at 7 pm, KMD said moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to continue from March 7 to 8, with isolated storms depositing between 40mm and 100mm of rain in some areas.
“Rainfall may persist into early next week, maintaining elevated risks of flooding, landslides and water contamination,” the advisory states.
The heaviest rainfall over the past 24 hours has been recorded in parts of Nairobi County. Moi Airbase recorded 145.4mm, Wilson Airport 160mm, Dagoretti 112.2mm, Kabete 117.4mm, and Thika 59.6mm.
According to KMD, 20mm of rainfall is equivalent to 20 litres of water per square metre, a volume sufficient to saturate soils and overwhelm drainage systems.
The impact of the wet weather has been felt in several counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos, and areas in Western Kenya, the Rift Valley Highlands, and the Coastal region.
KMD expects the rainfall to continue affecting key areas such as the Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Central Highlands, Southeastern Lowlands, and Coastal region. Specific counties at risk include Busia, Kisumu, Nandi, Nakuru, Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Mombasa, and Kilifi, among others.
The ongoing rains form part of a prolonged wet spell that began in mid-February 2026. In its March-April-May rainfall update issued on February 18, KMD indicated that continuous rainfall since that period has saturated soils across the country, significantly increasing the likelihood of flooding.
KMD’s acting Director of Meteorological Services, Edward M. Muriuki, expressed concern over the continuing weather conditions.
“The Department regrets the damage to infrastructure and disruption to livelihoods caused by the ongoing rains,” he said. Muriuki assured the public that KMD will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates to support preparedness and response efforts.
Residents and motorists in affected areas have been urged to exercise caution. Low-lying neighbourhoods in Nairobi such as Westlands, Dagoretti, Embakasi, Kibra, Roysambu, and Kasarani are particularly vulnerable to flooding.
In addition, continuous heavy rainfall may affect road transport and lead to temporary water contamination, posing further health risks.
Authorities are advising communities in high-risk counties to take precautionary measures, including avoiding crossing flooded areas, securing property, and following guidance from local disaster management teams. With the rains expected to continue, KMD has emphasised the need for vigilance and preparation.
The department said its meteorologists will provide further advisories as the situation evolves, emphasising the importance of public awareness in mitigating the impact of the persistent wet weather.
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