NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that Nairobi, Murang’a, Kisii, and several other counties face a moderate flood risk this week, with heavy rainfall forecast between April 7 and April 13, 2026.
In its Biometeorological Weekly Bulletin, the agency flagged dangerous conditions across multiple regions, noting that cumulative rainfall exceeding 50mm is expected in parts of Nairobi, Murang’a, Nyeri, Embu, Kirinyaga, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi counties.
“Few places in counties such as Nairobi, Murang’a, Nyeri, Embu, Kirinyaga, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi in the Highlands East of Rift Valley are expected to receive cumulative rainfall above 50mm during the forecast period,” Kenya Met said.
The bulletin also identified Kisii, Bomet, Migori, Homa Bay, Kericho, Narok, Vihiga, Busia, and Kakamega counties as likely to receive similar downpours, raising the risk of flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Northern Kenya is also on alert, with Moyale in Marsabit County singled out as a high-concern zone. The area is expected to receive rainfall exceeding 50mm, with a moderate flood risk projected through April 13, despite experiencing drought conditions in recent months.
Kitui and Taita Taveta counties are expected to record above-normal rainfall, with isolated areas likely to exceed seasonal averages. Scattered showers are forecast in the two counties during the period.
Health risks
Kenya Met warned that stagnant floodwater could increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Rift Valley fever, and chikungunya across affected counties.
“There is an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases and waterborne diseases due to rainfall and stagnant waters,” the agency said, also cautioning about possible outbreaks of cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid where water sources become contaminated.
Cold conditions were also flagged in parts of Nyandarua, Nyeri, and Meru counties, where minimum temperatures are expected to drop to 10 degrees Celsius or below.
Nyahururu in Nyandarua County faces the highest cold-weather health risk, with the bulletin warning of moderate chances of pneumonia, flu, bronchitis, influenza, and asthma.
The agency said children, elderly persons, and individuals with chronic illnesses face heightened vulnerability, particularly from cold-related complications.
Kenya Met urged residents to drain stagnant water, sleep under mosquito nets, and avoid flooded or landslide-prone areas. Those in colder highland regions were advised to dress warmly and monitor official weather updates as the high-risk conditions persist through the week.
