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The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned residents across dozens of counties to prepare for heavy rainfall and possible flash floods over the next 24 hours.
In a weather advisory issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the department said several regions could receive moderate to heavy rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres, raising concerns about flooding, poor visibility and disruptions to transport.
The affected areas include the Coast, Northeastern Kenya, the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Central Kenya, parts of Nairobi and the Southeastern lowlands.
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Kenya Met cautioned that the downpours could cause sudden flooding, especially in low-lying areas and locations that are already prone to flooding.
Counties Expected to Receive Heavy Rainfall
The warning covers counties across much of the country.
In the Coast region, the affected counties include Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu.
In Northeastern Kenya, residents of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit and Isiolo have been urged to remain alert as rainfall is expected in the region.
Western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley are also included in the advisory. These areas cover Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Nakuru.
Other counties listed in the warning are Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho and Bomet.
In Central Kenya, the forecast covers Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi and Meru.
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Narok and Kajiado are also expected to experience significant rainfall, alongside parts of Nairobi, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni.
Residents in these areas have been advised to monitor weather updates and take precautions as conditions develop.
Kenya Met Warns of Flash Floods Beyond Rainfall Areas
The department has cautioned that the risk of flooding extends beyond locations receiving heavy rainfall directly.
Water flowing from higher ground can accumulate in lower areas, causing rivers and streams to rise rapidly and potentially flood nearby homes, roads and farms.
Communities living near rivers, drainage channels and other watercourses have been urged to remain particularly cautious during the rainy period.
Flash floods can develop quickly, leaving people with little time to escape. Residents should avoid crossing flooded roads or walking through moving floodwater, even when the water does not appear deep.
The expected rainfall could also affect road users because wet surfaces and reduced visibility may increase the risk of accidents.
Strong Winds Expected in Several Regions
Besides the rainfall, Kenya Met has warned of strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots, equivalent to approximately 46 kilometres per hour.
The winds are expected to affect parts of the Coast, eastern and northern regions, potentially creating rough conditions and disrupting outdoor activities.
Residents have been advised to secure loose objects and exercise caution in areas where strong winds could affect buildings, trees and other structures.
During thunderstorms, people should avoid sheltering under trees or standing near exposed metal structures because of the danger posed by lightning.
Motorists have also been urged to drive carefully, maintain safe distances and reduce speed when visibility deteriorates.
Heavy Rains Expected During Kenya’s Short Rains Season
The warning comes as Kenya experiences its October-to-December short rains season, a period when many parts of the country typically receive seasonal rainfall.
However, the distribution and intensity of the rains vary between regions, meaning some areas may experience heavy downpours while others continue to receive limited rainfall.
Kenya Met has urged residents to follow official weather updates and take necessary precautions, particularly those living in flood-prone locations.
The department said it would continue monitoring weather conditions and issue further updates if the situation changes.
Why Kenya Could Experience Heat Despite Forecast Rainfall
Despite forecasts of increased rainfall associated with El Niño, some parts of Kenya have continued to experience unusually warm conditions.
Kenya Met has explained that El Niño does not necessarily result in continuous rainfall. Instead, it influences broader weather patterns, potentially changing rainfall distribution and temperatures in different regions.
The department expects temperatures during the October-to-December season to remain warmer than normal in parts of the country, even as rainfall increases.
Other climate systems, including the Indian Ocean Dipole and the Madden-Julian Oscillation, can also influence when and where rainfall occurs.
These factors may contribute to periods of hot weather and sunshine between rainfall events.
Kenya Met maintains that rainfall patterns will vary across the country throughout the season. Residents are therefore advised to rely on official forecasts rather than assuming that all areas will experience the same weather conditions.
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