NAIROBI, Kenya— Grab your umbrellas, Kenya! The weatherman has sounded the alarm: heavy rains are on their way, starting Sunday, March 9, 2025.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, some regions will experience rainfall exceeding 20mm, with certain areas seeing even more intense downpours of 30mm or more in just 24 hours.
And if you think it’s just a drizzle, think again—this downpour is expected to spread further by Monday, March 10, hitting Northwestern Kenya before tapering off after Tuesday, March 11.
🌧️ HEAVY RAINFALL ALERT! 🚨 🔹 Update No.: 1 | Advisory No.: 01/2025 🔹 Validity: March 9 (3 PM) – March 11 (9 PM) 🔹 Urgency: Expected | Severity: Low–Moderate | Certainty: 33–66% 🌍 Areas Affected: Heavy rainfall of more than 20mm in 24 hours is expected in: ✅ March 9:…
Where Will the Rains Hit the Hardest?
If you’re in any of these counties, prepare for potential flooding:
✔ Lake Victoria Basin & Rift Valley: Kisumu, Siaya, Homabay, Migori, Busia, Bomet, Kericho, Narok, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, and Baringo.
✔ Western & Central Kenya: Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Nandi, Kisii, Nyamira, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, and Turkana.
✔ Highlands East of the Rift & Nairobi: Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nairobi, and Kajiado.
✔ Southeastern Lowlands: Machakos and Marsabit.
What You Need to Know
Heavy rains aren’t just about wet shoes and traffic jams—they bring risks like flash floods, poor visibility, and even lightning strikes.
The Kenya Meteorological Department advises residents in affected areas to:
- Stay indoors if conditions get severe.
- Avoid sheltering under trees and staying close to metal structures like grilled windows.
- Watch out for flood-prone zones—especially in low-lying areas.
As the country gears up for the March-May long rains season, expect a gradual increase in rainfall, with April historically bringing the most intense showers.
This period is crucial for agriculture and water reservoirs, but it also comes with infrastructure challenges and transport disruptions.
Whether you’re in Nairobi’s urban sprawl or deep in the Rift Valley, these rains mean one thing—be prepared.
From slippery roads to potential power outages, keeping an eye on weather updates will be crucial. The Kenya Met Department has promised regular updates, so stay tuned for more details.
