Heavy rains to intensify from tonight, Kenya Met warns of flood risk in Nairobi

In the advisory issued on Thursday, the weatherman warned that rainfall currently being experienced in parts of the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, as well as the Central Highlands and Southeastern Lowlands, is expected to intensify to more than 20mm within 24 hours.

According to the department, the rains are expected to peak between May 10 and May 13 before gradually reducing in intensity from May 14.

The heavy rainfall is also expected to spread to parts of the Northwestern region during the period.

Areas likely to be affected include 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 counties.

Other counties expected to receive heavy rainfall include Nairobi, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, and Narok, as well as parts of Turkana, Samburu, Kajiado and Machakos counties.

Despite the expected reduction in rainfall intensity toward the end of the advisory period, the department noted that rains are still likely to continue in the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley and Central Highlands. 

The Kenya Meteorological Department cautioned residents to remain vigilant due to the risk of floods, flash floods and poor visibility.

“Flooding may occur even in areas without heavy rainfall, particularly downstream,” the advisory stated.

Residents were advised against driving or walking through moving water and warned not to seek shelter under trees or near grilled windows due to the risk of lightning strikes.

The department also urged people living in landslide-prone areas, especially along the slopes of the Aberdare Ranges, Mt. Kenya and other hilly regions, to exercise extreme caution.