Heavy rains to hit multiple regions through end of April - Met

Nairobi residents wading through water. /FILE

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a nationwide advisory warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds expected to affect several regions between April 24 and May 1, 2026.

In the advisory released Friday, acting director Edward Muriuki said rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours is likely across large parts of the country, with the most intense downpours anticipated between April 26 and April 28.

The forecast indicates that regions expected to bear the brunt of the rains include the Highlands, west and east of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern lowlands, as well as Northwestern and Northeastern Kenya.

Counties listed as high-risk areas include Turkana and Samburu in the northwest; the wider Lake Victoria Basin counties, such as Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kisii, and Kakamega, as well as Rift Valley counties including Nakuru, Baringo, and West Pokot.

Central highland counties, among them Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, and Meru, are also on alert.

Coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River, alongside parts of Northeastern Kenya such as Garissa, are similarly expected to experience adverse weather conditions.

The coastal areas are projected to experience sustained heavy rainfall, with accumulations above 20mm within 24 hours expected to persist until at least April 27.

Muriuki said the weather conditions could trigger floods and flash floods, including in areas that may not receive heavy rainfall directly, potentially causing widespread disruptions.

“Flood waters may occur in areas where it has not rained heavily, particularly downstream,” Muriuki warned.

Marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate significantly, with wave heights projected to exceed two metres in coastal waters, posing risks to maritime activities.

In addition to rainfall, the department warned of strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (approximately 12.86 metres per second).

The winds are expected to affect the Coast, Southeastern lowlands, and parts of Northwestern and Northeastern Kenya.

Residents have been advised to avoid driving or walking through flooded areas and exercise caution in open fields and near metallic structures.

The weatherman specifically cautioned against sheltering under trees during storms due to lightning risk.

The advisory also highlighted an elevated risk of landslides in hilly and mountainous areas, particularly along the slopes of the Aberdare ranges and Mt Kenya.

Communities in these regions have been urged to remain vigilant and monitor updates.

Maritime operators and coastal residents have also been cautioned to limit sea travel and activities during the advisory period due to strong winds and high waves.

The meteorological department said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.