Kenya Met Issues Fresh Flood Alert as Torrential Rains Set to Lash Country Until May 1
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a fresh warning that heavy rainfall will continue pounding large parts of the country until May 1, raising fears of flooding, landslides, and widespread disruption.
In its latest advisory, the weatherman said intense downpours are expected across Nairobi and several counties, including Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kakamega, and parts of the Coast and Northeastern regions.
“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 in a statement.
Authorities warned that the prolonged rains could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in highland areas such as the Aberdare ranges and Mount Kenya regions, where soils are already heavily saturated.
Motorists and commuters have been urged to exercise extreme caution, with the Met Department warning that reduced visibility during storms could severely disrupt road travel and aviation.
“Reduced visibility may affect transport, especially during morning and evening hours,” the statement added.
Kenyans have also been cautioned against seeking shelter under trees or near metallic structures such as grilled windows during thunderstorms due to the heightened risk of lightning strikes and strong winds.
The agency further warned that rivers and water bodies may continue swelling—even in areas not currently experiencing rainfall—raising the risk of sudden downstream flooding.
Residents in flood-prone zones, particularly in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Garissa, have been advised to remain vigilant and consider relocating early if water levels rise rapidly.
The latest warning comes just weeks after devastating floods claimed more than 100 lives, according to the Kenya Red Cross, leaving a trail of destruction that included washed-away roads, collapsed bridges, and displaced families.
Government agencies at both county and national levels have since been racing to implement mitigation measures, though concerns remain over the country’s preparedness for continued extreme weather.
Meanwhile, the Met Department noted a sharp contrast in temperatures across regions. Coastal and northeastern counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Turkana are expected to experience daytime highs exceeding 30°C despite the rains.
In contrast, colder nights are forecast in parts of Nyandarua, Nakuru, and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro, including Kajiado and Taita Taveta, where temperatures could drop below 10°C.
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