Kenya Met Warns of Rough Seas as Waves Could Reach 3 Metres off the Coast

MOMBASA, Kenya — Fishers, boat operators and other people using the Indian Ocean have been urged to take extra care after Kenya’s meteorological service forecast waves of up to three metres along the coast on Saturday.

The warning covers the seven-day period from October 23 to 29, with sea conditions expected to change throughout the week. Strong winds could make journeys more difficult, particularly for small boats operating in exposed waters.

In its marine forecast issued on October 22, the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority projected winds over Kenyan waters from the east-south-east to the south-south-west, at speeds of two to 12 metres per second across the forecast period.

Wave heights are expected to vary by day. The forecast puts them at between 0.3 and 2 metres on Friday, rising to between 0.5 and 3 metres on Saturday before easing in the following days.

The peak forecast matters for people who depend on the sea for their livelihoods. Fishing trips, passenger boat journeys and other marine activities may become riskier when waves rise and winds strengthen.

Saturday forecast points to the roughest conditions

Saturday, October 24, is expected to bring the highest waves in the seven-day outlook, reaching three metres in some areas. Winds are forecast to range from two to 14 metres per second that day.

On Sunday, waves could reach 2.5 metres. The forecast then projects a range of 0.25 to 2 metres on Monday, with conditions varying through to Thursday, October 29.

The forecast does not mean every part of the coast will experience the same conditions. Actual sea conditions can differ by location, so people planning to go out should check the latest local marine updates before departure.

The Kenya Meteorological Department publishes marine forecasts covering waters off Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania. Its latest bulletin places the three countries within the wider Western Indian Ocean forecast area.

What fishers and boat operators should do

The Kenya Maritime Authority issued a broader coastal safety warning in September, citing the possibility of strong winds, high waves, heavy rainfall and reduced visibility between September and December 2026.

The authority advised people to avoid going to sea when conditions deteriorate. It also urged boat owners to secure their vessels and reminded passengers and crew to wear life jackets while on board. Those already at sea should monitor weather updates and seek safe shelter when necessary.

For fishers, the decision to postpone a trip can carry a financial cost. But setting out in unsuitable conditions may put crews and passengers at risk. Boat operators should therefore assess the latest forecast rather than relying on how the sea looks from shore.

Beachgoers should also follow local safety instructions and avoid entering the water when conditions are unsafe. Strong winds and changing waves can create hazards even when the weather on land appears calm.

Rough seas warning comes amid changing seasonal weather

The marine alert comes as Kenya enters the October-to-December short-rains season. The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast enhanced rainfall in parts of the country, although the timing and distribution of rain can vary.

Recent reporting on the national outlook has also highlighted how tropical systems over the Indian Ocean can affect the movement of weather systems and the onset of seasonal rains. However, the marine forecast alone does not establish that a particular tropical storm will bring rain to a specific coastal county.

For coastal residents, the immediate concern is the sea itself: changing wave heights, stronger winds and the possibility of difficult conditions for vessels.

The advice is to keep checking official updates throughout the week and postpone non-essential trips whenever conditions become dangerous. In an emergency at sea, the Kenya Maritime Authority lists the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre numbers as 0737 719 414 and 0721 368 313.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.