The Kenya meteorological department has issued a weather advisory warning of increased rainfall activity across several parts of the country, urging residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions.
In the advisory released on May 7, the agency said heavy rains are expected to intensify between May 8 and May 14, with peak rainfall likely between May 10 and May 13. Some regions could record more than 20 millimetres of rainfall within 24 hours, raising the risk of flash floods and water accumulation in low-lying areas.
According to the forecast, rainfall currently being experienced in the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Central Highlands, and parts of the southeastern lowlands is expected to spread further and become more intense. The Lake Victoria Basin and parts of northwestern Kenya are also likely to receive increased rainfall during the period.
Counties expected to be most affected include Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Nakuru, Narok, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kericho, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, and Laikipia among others. Parts of Turkana, Samburu, Kajiado, and Machakos may also experience heavy downpours.
The weather agency warned that flooding may occur even in areas that do not directly receive heavy rainfall, particularly downstream along rivers and drainage systems. Residents in flood-prone zones were urged to stay vigilant and monitor weather updates closely.
Kenya Met further advised the public to avoid crossing flooded roads or walking through moving water, noting that even shallow floods can be dangerous. Motorists were also cautioned against driving through flooded sections due to reduced visibility and the risk of vehicles being swept away.
In addition, people were warned against taking shelter under trees during storms because of the increased risk of lightning strikes. Communities living in landslide-prone areas, especially on the slopes of Mt Kenya and the Aberdare ranges, were urged to exercise extra caution as saturated soils may trigger mudslides.