Kenya Met: Expect heavy rainfall across Kenya from Thursday, 9pm

Nairobi residents wading through water. /FILE

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory warning that ongoing rains across several parts of the country are expected to intensify over the coming days.

In the advisory issued on March 18, the weather agency said the rainfall would increase to more than 20mm in 24 hours from March 19 to March 24, 2026.

The rains are expected to peak between March 20 and March 23 before easing slightly on March 24.

“The rainfall being experienced over several parts of the country is expected to intensify,” the department said, noting that even as intensity reduces toward the end of the period, rainfall will continue in many regions.

Areas expected to be affected include the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley and Nairobi. Counties listed in the advisory include Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho and Bomet.

Other counties likely to experience heavy rains are Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Garissa. Parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera and Tana River are also expected to be affected.

The department cautioned that the weather conditions could pose significant risks, including flooding and poor visibility.

“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility,” the advisory stated.

It further warned that “flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream,” urging the public to remain cautious even in areas not directly experiencing intense rainfall.

Members of the public have been advised to avoid risky situations during the rainy period. The department specifically cautioned against driving or walking through moving water and warned people “not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.”

Special attention has also been directed to residents living in landslide-prone areas. “People in landslide prone areas especially over the slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya and other hilly areas should be vigilant,” the department said.

The advisory classified the rainfall as moderate to heavy, with a “moderate probability of occurrence (33% to 66% chance).” The alert remains in effect from March 18 at 9pm to March 24 at 9am.

Kenya Met said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide updates if conditions change. “Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes,” the department noted.

The met advisory comes a day after authorities confirmed that the 

Three more people died in Nairobi, one in the Eastern Region, and another along the Coast, bringing the total number of victims to 71.

The National Police Service (NPS) has been leading search and rescue operations across the country.