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Expect flooding in parts of the country, Met warns
Divers from Bomet County Disaster Management unit struggling to retrieve bodies from a vehicle that plunged into Nyangores River on the Silibwet-Merigi highway in Bomet central constituency on May 9, 2024. Three people are confirmed dead in the accident and a child is missing.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall, strong winds and flash flooding in 40 counties between February 25 and March 3, 2026. Residents in low-lying and riverine areas are advised to prepare for potential flooding. Strong winds could also cause structural damage and uproot trees.
In their latest update, the weatherman warned that rainfall intensity is expected to decrease from March 1 over the Southeastern Lowlands, Coastal region, and Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi. However, heavy rains are forecast to continue over the Lake Victoria Basin and the Highlands West of the Rift Valley until March 3.
“The current heavy rainfall of more than 20mm in 24 hours being experienced over several parts of the country is expected to continue from February 25 to 28, 2026 and likely to spread to parts of the Northeastern,” said Met.
“Heavy rainfall of more than 20mm within 24 hours is expected to persist over the Lake Victoria Basin and the Highlands West of the Rift Valley until March 3, 2026.”
Areas of concern include western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Central Highlands, parts of eastern Kenya, the Coast and sections of the north-eastern counties, including Isiolo, Marsabit and Garissa.
“Rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres within 24 hours is expected to persist until February 28, potentially affecting parts of north-eastern Kenya,” it said.
Specifically named counties in the advisory include Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Nairobi, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, Tana River and Kilifi.
The weatherman urged residents to stay vigilant because of the risk of floods, flash floods, poor visibility and lightning strikes.
Authorities advised the public to avoid crossing flooded roads, refrain from walking through moving water and avoid sheltering under trees or near exposed windows during storms.
Officials also warned that floodwaters could appear even in areas that have not received heavy rainfall, particularly downstream.
“Residents in affected areas are urged to remain alert to flooding, flash floods, poor visibility and lightning risks,” the department said.
The advisory was issued to key government and disaster management stakeholders, including the Presidency; the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry; the National Disaster Operations Centre; the Kenya Red Cross; the Kenya Ports Authority; the Kenya Maritime Authority; the Kenya Airports Authority; the Council of Governors; and county directors of meteorological services, to ensure preparedness and timely updates.
The alert follows weeks of sporadic rainfall across the country, with some regions already reporting waterlogging and minor flooding.
Meteorologists said the upcoming rains are part of seasonal weather patterns, but could intensify because of changing climatic conditions.
Local authorities in high-risk areas have been urged to clear drainage systems, prepare schools and public facilities for potential disruptions and place emergency services on standby.
Kenya has previously experienced severe flooding following heavy rainfall, resulting in loss of life, property damage and transport disruptions.
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