Heavy rains in Nairobi /FILEHeavy rains have continued to wreak havoc across Kenya, with one person reportedly killed by lightning in Kaloleni subcounty, Kilifi county.
Kilifi county commissioner David Wanyonyi said the body was retrieved and taken to Mariakani Hospital mortuary, as authorities continue sensitising communities on adverse weather conditions.
He said rains in the area have been accompanied by whirlwinds.
The Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts moderate to heavy rainfall over the Lake Victoria Basin, southeastern regions, the Coast, central Kenya and the highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi.
The rains are expected to cause flooding, flash floods, slippery roads, poor visibility and rising river levels.
"Avoid flooded roads. Do not walk or drive through moving water. Stay alert, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas," the Kenya Met advisory cautioned.
In an earlier update on Thursday, March 19, the department said heavy rainfall exceeding 20mm in 24 hours was expected across several parts of the country until March 24.
The rainfall is predicted to intensify, peaking between March 20 and 23.
Residents are urged to remain alert for flooding, flash floods and lightning strikes.
The rains have already started to affect road infrastructure. Flooding and heavy silt deposition were reported along the Mai Mahiu–Suswa–Narok Road at Kedong Ranch near Suswa, disrupting traffic.
Narok county commissioner Kipkech Lotiata said Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is clearing the silt and advised motorists to use alternative routes, including Ngong–Suswa, Nairobi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Narok–Narok, and Nairobi–Naivasha–Longonot–Suswa.
Recent heavy rainfall has caused devastating impacts nationwide, particularly in Nairobi, where severe flooding has damaged infrastructure and caused fatalities.
As of March 20, the flood death toll had risen to 73, with seven people still missing.
Over 2,000 families have been displaced and thousands of residents remain stranded.
Experts have warned that poor drainage systems in many urban areas and illegal construction near waterways especially in Nairobi have exacerbated the severity of the floods.
