The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has issued a fresh weather advisory warning that heavy rains will continue affecting Nairobi and several other parts of the country until around May 1, according to its latest weekly forecast.
The weather agency says that many regions are expected to experience ongoing rainfall, with some areas likely to receive very heavy downpours at different times.
The affected counties include Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kakamega, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Turkana, and Marsabit.
These areas fall within different climatic zones, meaning the intensity and timing of rainfall may vary, but the overall trend points to continued wet conditions.
According to Kenya Met, the rains are expected to persist over the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Nairobi region, parts of the Rift Valley, the Coast, and also in the northeastern parts of the country.
Some locations may experience short periods of intense rainfall that could quickly lead to water accumulation and localized flooding.
The agency has also warned the public about reduced visibility during storms. This could affect both road users and air travel, especially during early mornings and evenings when traffic is usually heavy. Motorists, pedestrians, and commuters have been advised to take extra caution, as slippery roads and poor visibility increase the risk of accidents.
In addition, Kenyans have been cautioned against taking shelter under trees or standing near metallic or poorly secured structures during thunderstorms. Strong winds and lightning strikes remain a serious danger, particularly in open fields, busy estates, and crowded neighbourhoods.
The warning also highlights that river levels may continue to rise even in areas that are not currently experiencing heavy rainfall. This means that flooding can occur unexpectedly downstream, catching residents off guard even when the skies appear clear locally.
People living near rivers or in flood-prone areas, especially in cities like Nairobi and Kisumu as well as parts of Garissa, have been urged to closely follow weather updates and be ready to move to safer ground if water levels begin to rise.
The advisory further notes that counties such as Nyeri, Murang’a, and parts of Meru are on special alert. These areas, especially those around the Aberdare ranges and Mount Kenya region, are more vulnerable because the soil is already saturated, making it easier for landslides or soil collapse to happen after continuous rainfall.
At the same time, the forecast shows that temperatures will remain relatively high in coastal and northern counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Turkana. In these regions, daytime temperatures are expected to rise above 30°C, even though rainfall activity will still occur in some places.
On the other hand, colder nights are expected in areas such as Nyandarua, Nakuru, and high-altitude regions near Mount Kilimanjaro, including parts of Kajiado and Taita Taveta counties. In these locations, temperatures could drop to below 10°C, making nights noticeably colder than usual.
This rainy period follows several weeks of relatively lighter rainfall. Earlier heavy rains caused widespread damage across the country, leading to the loss of more than 100 lives according to the Kenya Red Cross. The situation also made international headlines due to the scale of destruction and human impact.
Key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and drainage systems was also severely affected in many counties.
Both national and county governments have since been working on recovery and preventive measures to reduce the impact of future flooding and improve preparedness as the rainy season continues.
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