Weatherman Issues Fresh Alert as Heavy Rains Expected to Peak Across Kenya

Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rainfall is expected to intensify across several parts of the country from Thursday through May 14, raising concerns over possible floods, flash floods and landslides.

In the latest weather advisory, the department said areas likely to be affected include Nairobi, the Rift Valley region, western Kenya and parts of Central Kenya, where rainfall is expected to increase significantly over the coming days.

According to the weatherman, some areas could receive more than 20 millimetres of rainfall within 24 hours as the ongoing long rains season peaks.

The department warned that the heavy downpour could result in flooding in low-lying areas, poor visibility on roads and landslides in vulnerable regions.

Authorities also cautioned that flooding may occur even in places that do not directly receive heavy rainfall, especially downstream areas where rivers and drainage systems could overflow due to runoff from neighbouring regions.

The advisory indicated that the rains are expected to intensify between May 8 and May 14, with the heaviest downpours likely to occur between May 10 and May 13 before gradually reducing in intensity.

Among the counties expected to experience enhanced rainfall are Kiambu County, Nyeri County, Kirinyaga County, Murang'a County, Kisumu County, Kakamega County, Nakuru County, Narok County and Uasin Gishu County.

Other areas expected to receive significant rainfall include parts of Turkana County, Samburu County, Kajiado County and Machakos County.

The Kenya Meteorological Department urged Kenyans living in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow guidance from local authorities and disaster response agencies.

Motorists were also advised to exercise caution due to possible slippery roads, reduced visibility and flooding along major highways and urban roads.

The warning comes as several parts of the country continue to experience heavy seasonal rains that have already disrupted transport, business activities and daily movement in some areas.

In previous rainy seasons, heavy rainfall has led to destruction of property, displacement of families and loss of lives in different parts of the country.

County governments and emergency response teams are expected to remain on high alert as the rains intensify over the coming week.

The weather department has continued to issue regular advisories to help the public prepare for changing weather conditions and minimize risks associated with extreme rainfall.