The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall will persist in many regions between April 27 and May 4, with some areas likely to experience intense downpours.
The advisory covers the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley including Nairobi as well as the Rift Valley, Coast and Northeastern regions.
According to MET, the ongoing rains could trigger flash floods, cause rivers to swell and reduce visibility on roads, posing risks to both residents and motorists.
The department has raised particular concern over hilly and mountainous regions such as the Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya, where the risk of landslides remains high due to saturated ground.
“Motorists should exercise extra caution because of poor visibility, while those living in low-lying or landslide-prone areas have been to remain vigilant,”it stated .
Residents have also been cautioned against walking or driving through moving water, with authorities warning that fast-flowing floods can be deadly.
In addition, the department warned against sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during storms due to the danger posed by lightning and flying debris.
Despite the widespread rains, the forecast also points to sharp contrasts in temperatures.
Daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C in the Coast, Southeastern lowlands and parts of Northeastern and Northwestern Kenya.
Meanwhile, night-time temperatures could drop below 10°C in parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the Central Rift Valley and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro.
In an earlier outlook, acting director Edward Muriuki warned that rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours is likely across large parts of the country, with the heaviest downpours expected between April 26 and April 28.
Regions expected to be most affected include the Highlands on both sides of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern lowlands, and parts of Northwestern and Northeastern Kenya.
Counties on high alert include Turkana and Samburu, as well as Lake Victoria Basin counties such as Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kisii and Kakamega. Rift Valley counties including Nakuru, Baringo and West Pokot are also at risk.
In the central highlands, Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri and Meru counties have been listed among areas likely to experience heavy rains.
Coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River, along with parts of Northeastern Kenya including Garissa, are also expected to be affected.
The Coast region, in particular, is forecast to receive sustained heavy rainfall, with accumulations above 20mm within 24 hours likely to continue until at least April 27.
With the rains expected to persist, authorities are urging the public to stay informed and take precautions to minimise risks associated with the ongoing wet conditions.
