The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rainfall currently being experienced in many parts of the country is expected to intensify over the next seven days, increasing the risk of floods, flash floods and landslides.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, the department said the enhanced rainfall will continue between May 8 and May 14 across the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Central Highlands and sections of the Southeastern lowlands.
According to the weatherman, the rainfall intensity is expected to peak between May 10 and May 13 before gradually reducing towards the end of the forecast period.
“The rainfall being experienced over several parts of the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, and Central Highlands, including parts of the Southeastern lowlands, is expected to intensify,” the advisory stated.
Counties expected to receive heavy rainfall include Nairobi, Kiambu County, Murang’a County, Nyeri County, Kirinyaga County, Embu County, Meru County, Nyandarua County, Nakuru County and Narok County.
Other affected areas include Kisumu County, Kakamega County, Bungoma County, Busia County, Vihiga County, Kisii County, Nyamira County, Kericho County, Bomet County, Nandi County, Uasin Gishu County and Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
The department further listed Migori County, Homa Bay County, Siaya County, Baringo County, West Pokot County, Trans Nzoia County and Laikipia County among regions likely to experience the intense downpours.
Parts of Turkana County, Samburu County, Machakos County and Kajiado County are also expected to receive significant rainfall during the period.
The Met Department warned that flooding may still occur in areas that do not receive direct heavy rainfall due to overflowing rivers and downstream water movement.
“Please remain vigilant for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility. Note that flooding may occur even in areas without heavy rainfall, particularly downstream,” the advisory said.
Residents living in landslide-prone areas, especially around the Aberdare Range, Mount Kenya and other hilly regions, have been urged to remain cautious during the rainy period.
The department also advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid crossing flooded roads or walking through moving water.
“To ensure your safety, avoid driving or walking through moving water or open fields,” the weather agency warned.
Members of the public were additionally cautioned against sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during storms because of the danger posed by lightning strikes.
The latest advisory comes as heavy rains continue to affect several regions across the country, leading to flooding, destruction of infrastructure and displacement of families in some counties.
Weather experts say the current downpours are part of Kenya’s long rains season, which normally peaks between April and May every year.
Although the heavy rainfall is expected to reduce after May 14, the department noted that rain will continue in parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West of the Rift Valley and the Central Highlands, including Nairobi.
The Meteorological Department said it will continue monitoring the weather situation and issue updates should there be any changes in conditions.