Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a weather alert warning residents in Nairobi and neighboring counties of moderate to heavy rainfall expected over the next 24 hours. The advisory, released on March 12, 2026, indicates that the rainfall will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday and continue through 9:00 a.m. on Friday.
According to KMD, the Nairobi metropolitan region is likely to experience significant downpours, which may cause localized flooding in low-lying areas. Isolated heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the Coastal region.
Residents in the Highlands East, covering counties such as Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi, can anticipate cloudy mornings with light rain, followed by sunny intervals. Afternoon showers are likely, occasionally spreading to multiple areas, while nights will remain partly cloudy with isolated showers.
A similar weather pattern is expected in the Highlands West, Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the Rift Valley, including Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok counties. Morning rains in these regions will give way to afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with occasional night showers.
In North-Western Kenya, particularly Turkana and Samburu counties, residents should prepare for sunny intervals during the day, partly cloudy nights, and occasional rainfall in select areas. Meanwhile, North-Eastern counties, including Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, will mostly experience sunny conditions with sporadic rainfall. The south-eastern lowlands—Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, and parts of Tana River County—are expected to see morning showers, with isolated thunderstorms developing in the afternoon and evening.
Coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and the Tana Delta, are forecast to experience scattered showers throughout the day, with intervals of sun.
KMD has urged residents across all regions to remain vigilant, particularly in flood-prone areas, and to take precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rains.