Several popular attractions inside Karura Forest have been temporarily closed after rivers flowing through the area burst their banks following heavy rainfall. The move affects access to caves, waterfalls, bridges, and the well known Ruaka picnic site, with officials saying the decision was taken to protect visitors as water levels continue to rise.
In a statement released on Friday, the Kenya Forest Service announced that the affected sections of the forest would remain closed until conditions improve. The agency warned visitors to keep away from the flooded areas and to report any concerns to forest officials.
“no member of the public is allowed to get into that area until further notice,” the statement said.
Forest authorities explained that paths leading to the caves, waterfalls, bridges, and the Ruaka picnic site had been blocked off due to safety concerns. Rising river levels have made the routes unsafe, prompting officials to restrict movement in those parts of the forest.
“Paths leading to the caves, waterfalls, bridges, and Ruaka picnic site have been closed off. No member of the public is allowed to get into that area, until further notice,” the statement read.
The closures come as large parts of the country continue to experience heavy rainfall. Weather experts say the ongoing rain is part of a broader weather pattern affecting several regions across Kenya.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, rainfall of more than 20 millimeters within 24 hours is expected in many areas between March 3 and March 9, 2026. The department said the rainfall is likely to grow stronger and reach its peak between March 4 and March 7 before slowly easing in most places by March 8.
Despite the expected drop in rainfall later in the week, some regions are still likely to continue receiving heavy downpours. These include the Lake Victoria Basin, Western Kenya, sections of the Central Highlands, the Southeastern lowlands, and the Coastal region.
In an advisory issued on March 3, 2026, the Meteorological Department warned residents in several counties to stay alert as the heavy rains could lead to flooding and other risks. Counties named in the alert include Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kisumu, and Mombasa.
The advisory cautioned residents to “be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods, and poor visibility.”
Weather officials also warned that floodwaters can sometimes appear in places where rainfall has not been heavy. The advisory pointed out that this may happen in downstream areas where water flows from regions that received more rain.
The statement explained that such floodwaters “may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream.”
Residents were advised to avoid driving or walking through flowing water during this period. The department also urged the public to avoid open fields and not to take shelter under trees or near grilled windows during storms to reduce the risk of lightning strikes.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Forest Service said the restrictions inside Karura Forest are meant to keep visitors safe while the rains continue. The agency stressed that public safety remains the top concern as water levels remain high.
Forest officials also asked members of the public to report any emergencies or safety issues to the Foresters’ office without delay.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain alert and follow weather warnings as the rainfall persists across many parts of the country. Officials say updates will be issued quickly if the situation changes or if more safety measures are required.
With the rains expected to continue through much of the week, people are being encouraged to remain cautious, especially in flood prone areas and outdoor recreation spaces such as Karura Forest.
