One dead in Kilifi as weekend of rains begins across Kenya
Motorists navigate a flooded section of Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi on Friday March 20, 2026, as rains began across the country.
As predicted by the weatherman, moderate to heavy rains began in Nairobi and across different parts of Kenya Friday afternoon.
Unlike other Fridays, streets in the Nairobi city centre were emptier than usual due to the Idd-ul-Fitr public holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadhan. The rains began around 3.20pm.
A man navigates a flooded section of Moi Avenue in Nairobi on Friday March 20, 2026, as rains began across the country.
The Kenya Meteorological Department issued another reminder to Kenyans across Central region (including Nairobi), Lake Victoria Basin and Rift Valley to watch out for floods, slippery roads and rising river levels today and tomorrow. Rainfall exceeding 20mm is expected to affect several parts of the country.
Lightning strike
In Kilifi, authorities reported that a lightning strike and whirlwinds were recorded in Kaloleni Sub-County, resulting in one fatality.
"The body was retrieved and taken to the Mariakani Hospital mortuary as authorities sensitize community members on adverse weather conditions," County Commissioner David Wanyonyi said in a statement.
In Narok, flooding and heavy silt deposition was recorded along the Mai Mahiu–Suswa–Narok (B7) Road at Kedong Ranch, disrupting traffic in the area. County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiata said the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) was working to clear the issue and reopen the road.
"Motorists advised to use alternative routes, including Ngong–Suswa, Nairobi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Narok–Narok, and Nairobi–Naivasha–Longonot–Suswa."
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