Kenya Met warns of floods, landslides as rains persist

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has warned of possible flash floods, landslides, and displacement of residents as heavy rainfall continues to affect several parts of the country during the first week of May 2026.

In its monthly forecast, the department said rainfall is expected to persist across many regions.

In particular, the weatherman cited the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coast, and parts of North Eastern Kenya.

Some of these areas are likely to experience heavy rainfall events, especially during the afternoon and evening hours, often accompanied by thunderstorms.

KMD cautioned that the ongoing wet conditions significantly increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, river overflows, and landslides in hilly and mountainous regions.

Communities living in vulnerable zones have been urged to remain alert and take precautionary measures as the ground remains saturated from previous rains.

"Continued heavy rainfall in the regions is likely to worsen waterlogging, flooding of croplands, and physical damage to crops, while also increasing soil erosion and nutrient leaching," the agency said in a statement.

The department further noted that strong southerly to south-easterly winds exceeding 25 knots are expected in parts of North Western Kenya, North Eastern Kenya, the South Eastern lowlands, and along the Coast.

These winds may exacerbate challenging weather conditions, particularly for marine and coastal activities.

According to the forecast, rainfall will vary across different regions.

In the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the Rift Valley, showers are expected over several places during the afternoon throughout the first five days of May.

 Morning rains will occur in isolated areas between May 1 and May 3. Nighttime showers are also likely in a few locations.

In other regions such as Turkana and Samburu, similar conditions are expected during the first two days of May, with rainfall gradually reducing as the month progresses.

However, sunny conditions are anticipated on May 4 and 5 in the morning, signalling brief breaks in the wet conditions.

In the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi, similar rainfall patterns are expected, particularly in the afternoons, with continued cloud cover and occasional showers.

The monthly outlook for May 2026 indicates near-average to above-average rainfall in parts of North Eastern Kenya, while most other regions are likely to experience near-average conditions.

The Southeastern Lowlands and sections of North Eastern Kenya may, however, receive near-average to below-average rainfall.

KMD noted that rainfall is likely to be enhanced during the first week of May due to favourable atmospheric conditions associated with the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO).

The MJO is a large-scale weather pattern that affects rainfall and storm activity in the tropics, including parts of Africa, the Indian Ocean, Asia, and the Pacific.

This may extend into the second week in some areas, before a decline in rainfall activity during the latter half of the month.

The department also warned that the continuation of heavy rains poses risks across key sectors. In agriculture, waterlogging, crop damage, soil erosion, and nutrient loss are expected in high rainfall zones.

Transport infrastructure may also be affected, with roads and bridges becoming impassable due to flooding and structural weakening.

"Public health risks are likely to remain elevated as continued wet conditions favour the spread of water-borne diseases, contamination of water sources and expansion of mosquito breeding habitats, especially in areas expecting heavy rainfall early in May," Kenya Met further warned.

Disaster management agencies may also face pressure responding to repeated emergencies, including flash floods and landslides.

KMD emphasised that May marks the cessation phase of the long rains season in most parts of the country.

However, rainfall is expected to continue into June in select regions, including the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coast, and parts of the Rift Valley and North Western Kenya, before transitioning into the cold and dry season in June and July.

Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant, monitor weather updates, and adhere to advisories issued by relevant agencies.