Kenyans in several parts of the country, including Nairobi, have been warned to prepare for heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next seven days.
The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met), in a forecast issued on Friday, October 23, said the affected regions would receive more than 20 millimetres of rainfall between Saturday, October 24, and Friday, October 30, 2026.
The forecast also cautioned that wind speeds could exceed 46 kilometres per hour, particularly in coastal, eastern and northern parts of the country.
"Moderate to heavy rains exceeding 20 mm are anticipated over the counties in Coast, Northeastern, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Central Highlands," Kenya Met stated.
The counties expected to experience the rainfall include Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi and Uasin Gishu.
Other affected areas are Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Narok, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni, alongside parts of Nairobi.
Kenya Met Issues Flash Flood Warning
Residents in the affected counties have been advised to remain alert for possible flash floods, which may occur even in locations that have not experienced significant rainfall, particularly areas downstream.
The weather agency also urged Kenyans to take precautions during thunderstorms, including avoiding shelter under trees and staying away from grilled windows.
People in hotter areas were further advised to maintain adequate hydration as weather conditions vary across the country.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas should remain vigilant for potential flash floods and poor visibility. Note that floodwaters may occur in areas where it has not rained heavily, particularly downstream,” Kenya Met noted.
The department also warned of potentially rough sea conditions, forecasting ocean wave heights of more than two metres on Sunday, October 25.
Fishers, mariners and other people involved in maritime activities were urged to exercise caution as the anticipated conditions could pose risks to those operating at sea.
El Niño-Enhanced Rainy Season Yet to Begin in Some Areas
The latest advisory comes as Kenyans await the anticipated October-November-December (OND) rainy season, which had been projected to bring enhanced rainfall associated with El Niño-related weather patterns.
Earlier forecasts had indicated that the rains could begin in some areas between the second and third weeks of October. However, their onset has been delayed in several parts of the country.
Some regions have continued to experience sunny, dry weather and unusually high temperatures despite earlier projections of increased rainfall.
The latest warning signals the possibility of changing weather conditions in the coming days, with residents in the listed counties advised to follow official forecasts and take necessary precautions against flooding, strong winds, and poor visibility.
