The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has warned that heavy rainfall will persist across many parts of the country over the weekend, raising concerns over floods, landslides, and possible contamination of water sources.
The advisory, issued on March 3 and valid until 7 pm on March 9, indicates that moderate to heavy showers will continue from March 7 to 8, with isolated storms dumping between 40mm and 100mm of rain in certain areas.
“Rainfall may persist into early next week, maintaining elevated risks of flooding, landslides and water contamination,” the advisory notes, highlighting the dangers posed by the ongoing wet spell.
Recent observations show Nairobi County has been hit hardest in the past 24 hours.
Moi Airbase recorded 145.4mm of rain, Wilson Airport 160mm, Dagoretti 112.2mm, Kabete 117.4mm, and Thika 59.6mm.
KMD explains that 20mm of rainfall equals 20 litres of water per square metre, enough to saturate soils and overwhelm drainage systems.
The impact of the wet weather is already being felt in several counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos, and parts of Western Kenya, the Rift Valley Highlands, and the Coastal region.
KMD forecasts that heavy rains will continue in the Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands west of the Rift Valley, Central Highlands, Southeastern Lowlands, and Coastal areas.
Counties likely to experience severe rainfall include Busia, Kisumu, Nandi, Nakuru, Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Mombasa, and Kilifi.
The current rains form part of a prolonged wet season that began in mid-February 2026.
In its March-April-May update issued on February 18, KMD noted that continuous rainfall since mid-February has saturated soils across the country, raising the risk of flooding.
Speaking on the ongoing situation, KMD’s acting Director of Meteorological Services, Edward M. Muriuki, said: “The Department regrets the damage to infrastructure and disruption to livelihoods caused by the ongoing rains.”
He added that the department will continue monitoring the weather closely and provide timely updates to support preparedness and response efforts.
Residents and drivers in affected areas are being urged to exercise caution.
Low-lying neighbourhoods in Nairobi such as Westlands, Dagoretti, Embakasi, Kibra, Roysambu, and Kasarani remain highly vulnerable to flooding. Continuous heavy rainfall may also disrupt road transport and lead to temporary contamination of water supplies, posing additional health risks.