Kenya is bracing for intensified rainfall over the coming week, with the Kenya Meteorological Department issuing a warning for heavy downpours set to affect multiple regions between March 19 and 24, 2026.
Residents have been urged to prepare for potential floods, landslides, and low visibility, particularly in high-risk areas, as the heaviest rainfall is expected between March 20 and 23.
“The rainfall being experienced over several parts of the country is expected to intensify to more than 20mm in 24 hours,” the advisory stated. It added that “the intensity is expected to peak between 20th and 23 March 2026, before decreasing in intensity on 24 March 2026.”
Even as rainfall is predicted to ease toward the end of the week, the department cautioned that rain will continue in many areas, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the Highlands on both sides of the Rift Valley.
The alert covers a wide range of counties, from Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Nakuru, Kiambu, Embu, Nyeri, and Nairobi, to coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale. Northern regions including Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera are also expected to receive considerable rainfall.
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to stay alert to the dangers of heavy rains. “Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility,” the advisory said, noting that floodwaters can appear even in areas that have not received heavy local rainfall. “Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream,” it added.
The department also offered safety guidance to minimize risks.
“People 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,” it stated. Particular concern has been highlighted for communities living in landslide-prone zones, including steep slopes and highland areas. “People in landslide prone areas especially over the slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya and other hilly areas should be vigilant,” the advisory warned.
This warning comes as several parts of the country have already been experiencing continuous rainfall, raising concerns about saturated soils and higher water levels in rivers and drainage systems.
Emergency response agencies, including the National Disaster Operations Centre and the Kenya Red Cross, have been alerted and mobilized to prepare for possible emergencies.
The advisory was formally addressed to key government offices, including the Presidency, Cabinet Secretaries, the National Intelligence Service, county governments, and other relevant state agencies, reflecting the level of coordination required to manage the potential impact of the adverse weather.
The Meteorological Department pledged to keep monitoring the situation and provide updates as necessary. “Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes,” it stated. Authorities are calling on both urban and rural residents to take precautionary measures seriously to safeguard lives and property throughout the advisory period.
