NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (Kenya Met) has warned that heavy rains will persist across Nairobi and multiple counties until May 1, raising concerns over flooding, transport disruptions, and safety risks.
In its latest weekly forecast, the agency said sustained rainfall is expected in Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kakamega, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Turkana, and Marsabit, with some areas likely to experience intense downpours.
“Rainfall is expected to continue across several parts of the country, particularly over the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Nairobi, the Rift Valley region, the Coast, and Northeastern Kenya,” the agency said.
Authorities cautioned that reduced visibility during storms could disrupt road travel and aviation, especially during peak traffic hours in the morning and evening. Motorists have been advised to exercise caution due to slippery roads and possible flash floods.
Residents have also been warned against sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during storms, citing the risk of lightning strikes and strong winds in exposed and densely populated areas.
The weather agency further warned that rivers may continue to rise even in regions not currently experiencing rainfall, increasing the likelihood of downstream flooding.
Communities living in flood-prone areas in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Garissa have been urged to remain alert and consider early relocation if water levels surge.
Regions around the Aberdare ranges and Mount Kenya are among those on high alert, with experts warning that saturated soils heighten the risk of landslides after prolonged rainfall.
Despite the wet conditions, temperatures are expected to remain high in coastal and northeastern counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Turkana, where daytime highs will exceed 30°C.
Conversely, colder nights are forecast in parts of Nyandarua, Nakuru, and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro, including Kajiado and Taita Taveta counties, where temperatures could drop below 10°C.
The advisory comes weeks after severe flooding claimed more than 100 lives, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society, and caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
Both national and county governments have since stepped up mitigation measures, including drainage improvements and early warning systems, to reduce the impact of ongoing rains.
Meteorologists are urging Kenyans to stay updated through official forecasts and heed safety advisories as the country navigates the peak of the rainy season.
