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Heavy rains expected in several parts of the country, Met warns
A pedestrian shields himself from rain with an umbrella along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi. The Kenya Meteorological Department says 13 counties will experience heavy rainfall this week.
What you need to know:
- 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.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for large parts of the country, warning of potential flooding from Saturday, February 21, to Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The advisory covers counties in the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley and the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi. The rainfall is expected to spread to the southeastern lowlands and the coastal region, particularly the South Coast.
The department said rainfall in affected areas could exceed 20 millimetres (0.79 inches) within 24 hours on Saturday and intensify to more than 30 millimetres (1.18 inches) daily from Sunday through Tuesday, February 22-24. The intensity is forecast to ease on February 25.
Counties listed as high risk include Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Kakamega, Embu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, southern Tana River and parts of Kilifi.
“We urge residents to take precautionary measures and monitor official updates closely. Heavy rainfall can cause sudden flooding even in areas that might not have experienced significant rain, so preparedness is critical,” acting Managing Director Edward Muriuki said in a statement.
The department advised residents to avoid driving or walking through moving water, exercise caution in open fields and watch for flash floods in low-lying and riverine areas.
“Floodwaters can move fast and may appear downstream from areas that are currently dry. People must exercise extreme caution,” Muriuki said.
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.
Residents in Nairobi and surrounding counties were advised to monitor updates from the department through its website, WhatsApp channel and FASTA-Ken platform. The department also encouraged the public to follow county-specific forecasts to better assess local risks.
Although the probability of heavy rainfall is moderate, between 33 per cent and 66 per cent, officials warned that the impact could be significant in flood-prone regions.
“Even a moderate probability should not be taken lightly. Early action saves lives and reduces property damage,” Muriuki said.
Kenya has previously experienced severe flooding following heavy rainfall, resulting in loss of life, property damage and transport disruptions.
The advisory is in effect from 3 pm February 21 until 6 pm February 25, with updates to be issued as conditions evolve.
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