Kenyans have been urged to brace for a wet week ahead, with the national weather agency warning of moderate to heavy rains in several parts of the country beginning Tuesday.
In its latest advisory issued on 21 October, the Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) said the rains are expected to persist until next Monday, affecting large parts of the Central Highlands, Rift Valley, Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the South-eastern Lowlands.
Counties likely to experience the heaviest downpour include Nyandarua, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Kiambu, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi. In Western and Rift Valley regions, rainfall is forecast for Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi.
Other counties such as Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot are also expected to experience significant showers.
In the South-eastern Lowlands, residents of Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, and inland parts of Tana River County should also prepare for heavy rainfall.
“Isolated heavy rainfall events may occur over some parts of these regions. Residents are advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions,” Kenya Met said in its statement.
The department cautioned that the rains could lead to localised flooding, urging people in flood-prone areas to stay vigilant and avoid crossing swollen rivers or driving through flooded roads.
Swings Between Rain and Heat
Even as the warning was issued, other parts of the country continue to battle heat and dry conditions, especially in sections of the Rift Valley, Central Highlands, and South-eastern Lowlands.
In a separate temperature advisory, Kenya Met noted that daytime temperatures in coastal, north-eastern, and north-western regions are expected to rise above 30°C this week. Counties likely to be most affected include Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Garissa, Isiolo, and Mandera.
Meanwhile, cooler nights are anticipated across the Central Highlands, Central Rift Valley, and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro, where temperatures could drop below 10°C.
The department urged farmers, motorists, and residents in low-lying areas to monitor weather updates closely, as changing weather patterns could affect transport, agriculture, and livelihoods.