NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a nationwide advisory warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and large ocean waves expected across multiple regions from April 24 to May 1, 2026.
According to the advisory released Friday evening under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours is forecast in several parts of the country, with the most intense downpours expected between April 26 and April 28.
The department classified the alert as “moderate to heavy” in severity, with a 33 to 66 per cent probability of occurrence, signalling a heightened risk of weather-related disruptions.
Regions expected to be affected include the Highlands both west and east of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, southeastern lowlands, as well as northeastern and northwestern Kenya.
Counties flagged as high-risk include Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nakuru, Narok, Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Kilifi, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Kitui, Machakos, and Tana River, among others.
The Coast is expected to experience continued heavy rainfall through April 27, alongside strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (about 12.8 metres per second). Authorities also warned of ocean waves rising above two metres in coastal waters.
Meteorologists cautioned that the weather conditions could trigger floods, flash floods, and poor visibility, particularly in low-lying and downstream areas where rainfall may not be directly recorded, but water accumulates from upstream regions.
Residents in landslide-prone areas, especially along the Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya region, and other hilly zones, have been urged to remain on high alert.
“To ensure safety, residents are advised to avoid driving or walking through moving water, avoid sheltering under trees, and exercise caution during maritime activities,” the advisory stated.
The warning has been circulated to key government agencies, including the National Disaster Operations Centre, the Kenya Red Cross, and county governments, to enhance preparedness and response coordination.
The advisory comes as Kenya enters a peak rainfall period typically associated with the long rains season, which often brings flooding and infrastructure disruptions in vulnerable regions.
Authorities say updates will be issued as conditions evolve, with the public urged to monitor official communication channels for real-time information.
