NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the risk of floods and landslides across the country remains high this week despite a projected reduction in rainfall.
In a statement issued Saturday, Acting Director of Meteorological Services Edward Muriuki said the ground in many regions is already saturated after several days of heavy rainfall last week, meaning even lighter showers could trigger disasters.
“Rainfall may persist into early next week, maintaining elevated risks of flooding, landslides, and water contamination,” Muriuki said.
Regions Expected to Receive Rain
According to the department’s five-day forecast, showers will continue in several parts of the country, though the intense storms experienced last week are expected to ease.
Areas likely to receive rainfall include counties in the Lake Victoria Basin such as Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori.
Rain is also expected in the highlands west of the Rift Valley and parts of the Rift Valley including Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Baringo, as well as Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet and Narok.
Other regions forecast to receive rainfall include the Central Highlands—covering Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Nyandarua, and Laikipia—along with the South-Eastern Lowlands of Machakos, Kajiado, Makueni, Kitui, and Taita Taveta.
The Coastal region, including Kwale, Mombasa, and Kilifi, will also experience scattered showers.
Meteorologists say the rains will mainly occur in the afternoons and evenings, while mornings are expected to remain partly sunny or cloudy.
Flood Risks Remain
Despite reduced rainfall intensity, the weather agency warned that flooding could still occur rapidly.
Muriuki explained that several regions received more than 20 millimetres of rain last week, which significantly saturated the soil.
“In meteorological terms, 20mm of rainfall equals approximately 20 litres of water per square metre,” he said.
“That amount of rain can quickly saturate soils, overwhelm drainage systems, and cause flooding in low-lying areas.”
Deadly Floods in Nairobi
The warning follows devastating floods that recently struck Nairobi and the surrounding areas.
Police and emergency officials reported that at least 23 people died after flash floods swept through the capital following heavy overnight rains.
Many victims were swept away by fast-moving waters, while others died after becoming trapped in vehicles or being electrocuted by damaged power lines submerged in floodwater.
Authorities said more than 70 vehicles were damaged, while several neighbourhoods experienced severe flooding after rivers burst their banks and drainage systems overflowed.
Among the hardest-hit areas were Westlands, Dagoretti, Embakasi, Kibra, Roysambu, and Kasarani.
Weather stations recorded unusually high rainfall levels, with Wilson Airport measuring about 160 millimetres of rain within 24 hours. Other stations, including Moi Airbase, Kabete, and Dagoretti, also reported heavy downpours.
Health and Infrastructure Concerns
The disaster has reignited debate about urban planning and drainage systems in the capital.
Experts say blocked waterways, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and settlements built near rivers worsen flooding during heavy rains.
Public health officials are also warning about potential disease outbreaks, noting that floodwater can mix with sewage and waste, contaminating drinking water sources.
Such contamination increases the risk of illnesses, including Cholera and other waterborne infections.
Authorities have urged residents—particularly those living in low-lying areas, near rivers or on steep slopes—to remain vigilant and avoid crossing flooded roads or rivers.
Kenya frequently experiences flooding during the March-to-May rainy season, which is historically the country’s wettest period and often results in widespread damage and displacement.
The Meteorological Department said it will continue monitoring the evolving weather conditions and provide updates to support emergency preparedness and response efforts.
