Brace for heavy rains, floods from Saturday: Kenya Met warns

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory warning that several regions across the country should brace for intensified downpours over the next five days, raising the risk of flooding and travel disruptions.

In an update released on Friday, the weatherman said rainfall currently being experienced over the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley and the Highlands both west and east of the Rift Valley - including Nairobi - is expected to strengthen beginning Saturday.

According to the department, rainfall totals could exceed 20mm within 24 hours on February 21 before intensifying further to more than 30mm per day between February 22 and 24.

The rains are also forecast to spread to the southeastern lowlands and the coastal belt, particularly the south coast, before easing on February 25.

Counties likely to be affected include Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Kakamega, Embu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, southern Tana River and parts of Kilifi.

The advisory categorises the event as moderate to heavy rainfall with a moderate probability of occurrence, giving it a 33 to 66 per cent chance the forecast will materialise.

“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods. Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream,” said the department.

“People are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields. Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes.”