The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry has issued a heavy rainfall advisory warning residents in 34 counties to prepare for potential floods and strong winds over the weekend.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 3, the government warned that rainfall being experienced over the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the Highlands west of the Rift Valley is expected to intensify to more than 20 millimeters in 24 hours and is likely to spread to the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi.
According to the advisory, the heavy rainfall is expected to continue up to Sunday, October 5, 2025, and is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds. The rains are projected to reduce in intensity from Monday, October 6, 2025.
"The strong southerly winds of more than 25 knots (12.9 meters per second) being experienced over the eastern sector are projected to continue," the advisory noted, raising concerns about potential structural damage and hazardous conditions.
The 34 counties placed on alert include Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, parts of Kajiado, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzioia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi.
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The Ministry has issued comprehensive safety instructions to residents in all the mentioned areas, advising them to be on the lookout for potential floods. The advisory cautioned that floodwaters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream from areas experiencing intense rainfall.
"People are advised to avoid driving or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes," the statement warned.
The government further cautioned that the strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees, and cause structural damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The national advisory comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department had earlier issued an urgent weather alert specifically warning residents of Nairobi Metropolis to brace for intensifying rainfall over the weekend.
In the earlier notice released on Friday, the weatherman had warned that ongoing rains were expected to intensify across parts of the Nairobi Metropolis from Friday through Sunday, with conditions ranging from moderate to very heavy rainfall.
The alert had indicated that residents should expect moderate rainfall of between 5 and 20 millimeters in some areas, while others would experience heavy downpours of 20 to 50 millimeters within 24 hours.
In certain locations, very heavy rainfall exceeding 50 millimeters was anticipated, raising concerns about potential flooding.
The Met Department had cautioned that isolated afternoon and evening storms could develop during the period, potentially leading to localized flooding, traffic disruptions, and slippery roads across the capital city. Residents were urged to stay alert and plan accordingly.
Motorists were advised to exercise caution on the roads, particularly in the afternoon and evening when storms are most likely to develop, with the combination of heavy rainfall and reduced visibility creating hazardous driving conditions.
