The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a safety alert urging motorists and other road users to exercise extreme caution as heavy rainfall and fog continue to affect several parts of the country.
In a statement released on Sunday, NTSA warned that the prevailing weather conditions have significantly increased risks on major roads due to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces.
“Ongoing heavy rainfall and foggy conditions are affecting some parts of the country, significantly heightening road risks due to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces,” NTSA said.
“We strongly urge drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists to exercise extreme caution.”
Drivers Warned of Flooded and Slippery Roads
NTSA advised road users to slow down, maintain safe distances, avoid overtaking in poor visibility, and remain alert for flooded road sections, particularly in low-lying areas.
The warning follows a Kenya Meteorological Department advisory forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall of more than 20–30mm in several regions.
According to the Met Department, rainfall is expected to intensify through December 29 before easing on December 30.
Regions Expected to Experience Heavy Rainfall
The rains are expected to affect:
- The Southeastern lowlands
- The Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley
- The Lake Victoria Basin
- Parts of the Coastal region
Counties listed as high-risk include Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, southern Kitui, Taita Taveta and Kwale.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods,” the advisory reads.
Strong Winds Expected in Northern Kenya
The weatherman also warned of strong southeasterly winds reaching 25 knots in Marsabit County over the next five days.
Occasional rainfall is expected to affect much of the southern half of the country, with rainfall intensity increasing as the week progresses.
Regional Weather Breakdown
In Central Kenya counties including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi, residents can expect:
- Cloudy mornings with light rain
- Sunny intervals
- Afternoon and nighttime showers
Temperatures will range between 5°C and 29°C.
Similar conditions are expected in Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta and inland parts of Tana River County, with temperatures between 13°C and 32°C.
Along the Coast, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale, showers are expected for most of the week except Friday and Saturday morning and afternoon. Daytime temperatures could reach 34°C, with nighttime lows of 23°C.
Rift Valley, Nyanza and Western Regions
Counties in the Rift Valley, Nyanza and Western Kenya are expected to experience rainfall both day and night, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 32°C.
These include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia and West Pokot.
Hot and Dry Conditions in the North
Meanwhile, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo counties will experience sunny intervals with temperatures rising to 37°C and dropping to 16°C at night. Turkana and Samburu will also have sunny days and partly cloudy nights.
The Meteorological Department said further updates will be issued if weather conditions change.