By NECJOGHA News Desk | Nairobi
Heavy rainfall, strong winds and large ocean waves are expected across much of Kenya from Sunday, with the Kenya Meteorological Department warning that downpours exceeding 20 millimetres in 24 hours could trigger flash floods, landslides and maritime hazards through to next Friday.
In an advisory issued on Thursday afternoon, the department said the heaviest rainfall is likely between Sunday, 26 and Tuesday 28 April, affecting more than 30 counties from the Lake Victoria basin to the Coast. The probability of occurrence is rated at between 33 and 66 per cent meaning the event is expected but not certain.
The advisory, the second update this week on the same alert, covers Northwestern Kenya including Turkana and Samburu; the Western region and Lake Victoria basin counties of Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet and Narok; the Central Highlands including Nairobi, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi and Meru; the Southeastern Lowlands of Kajiado; the Coast counties of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu; the Northeastern county of Garissa; and parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni.
Coastal areas are likely to continue receiving rainfall above 20 millimetres in 24 hours through to Monday 27 April, the department said. Strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots — about 12.86 metres per second — are expected over the Coast, the Southeastern Lowlands, and Northwestern and Northeastern Kenya, while ocean waves of more than two metres are likely in coastal waters.
The Kenya Red Cross Society said on Thursday that it was monitoring the situation and “supporting preparedness and response,” echoing the department’s call for residents to stay alert and avoid flood-prone areas. The statement, posted on the society’s official LinkedIn account, did not specify which counties had been prioritised for pre-positioning of personnel or relief supplies.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant for flash floods, including in areas that have not received heavy rainfall themselves but lie downstream of catchments that have. The department warned against driving or walking through moving water, sheltering under trees during lightning, and operating in coastal waters during rough conditions. People living on the slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mount Kenya and other hilly areas have been advised to watch for landslides. Mariners and those engaged in fishing, ferry or shipping operations along the coast were urged to exercise caution given the forecast wave heights.
The advisory was addressed to the Presidency; all Cabinet Secretaries, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry; the Principal Secretary, State Department for Environment and Climate Change; the National Intelligence Service; the Kenya Red Cross; the Kenya Maritime Authority; the Kenya Ports Authority; the Kenya Airports Authority; the National Disaster Operations Centre; the National Drought Management Authority; the National Disaster Management Unit; the media; the Central Bank of Kenya; the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics; relevant government ministries; the Council of Governors; and County Directors of Meteorological Services.
The warning comes during Kenya’s long rains season, which runs from March to May and is the country’s principal rainfall period. The advisory was signed by the Acting Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, Mr Edward Maina Muriuki.
