Nairobi among counties on high alert as Met Dept warns of heavy rains from tomorrow

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory warning of intense downpours expected to hit parts of the country from Sunday, August 17, with potential flash floods, lightning strikes, strong winds and property damage.

According to the advisory released on August 15, 2025, rainfall pounding parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley and the Highlands West of Rift Valley will intensify to over 20mm in 24 hours, gradually spreading eastwards into the Central and Eastern Highlands.

The weatherman projects the heavy rains to persist until Tuesday, August 19, before gradually reducing in intensity from Wednesday, August 20.

A strong south-easterly wind current, blowing at over 25 knots (12.9 m/s), is expected to continue fuelling the system in the eastern sector.

Residents in the following counties have been urged to brace for the wet spell: Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Bungoma.

Others counties of concern are: Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nairobi, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu and Tharaka-Nithi.

The Met Department hence urged residents in the mentioned regions to remain vigilant for flash floods, particularly in low-lying and riverine areas; reduced visibility, especially for motorists and aviators; and sudden rises in seasonal rivers which may appear dry upstream.

“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential flash floods and poor visibility. People leaving downstream rivers and along seasonal rivers should be careful since water may appear suddenly even though it may not be raining within the area,” noted the weatherman.

“Residents are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes. Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages.”