Residents across Nairobi are being urged to prepare for intensified rainfall after the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that ongoing showers are expected to grow heavier from Friday afternoon through Monday morning.
In an advisory, the department said the enhanced rainfall will begin on Friday, March 20 at 3pm and persist until Monday, March 23 at 9am, with the most intense downpours forecast between Friday and Sunday before easing at the start of the week.
During this period, Met said the rains will build up across the county, with total amounts likely to exceed 20 mm within 24 hours at the peak.
“Ongoing rainfall across several parts of Nairobi County is forecast to intensify, with accumulations exceeding 20 mm in 24 hours from March 20 to March 23 2026. The heaviest rainfall is most likely between 20 March and 22 March 2026, gradually decreasing in intensity on 23 March 2026,” the statement read.
The weatherman noted that although the intensity is expected to drop on Monday, showers will still be experienced in different parts of Nairobi.
Areas likely to receive the heaviest rainfall include Westlands, Dagoretti South, Dagoretti North, Kibra, Lang’ata, Kamukunji, Mathare, Roysambu, Ruaraka and sections of Makadara.
The advisory also pointed to increased danger in informal settlements and low-lying areas, especially along major waterways such as the Nairobi River, Ngong River and Mathare River. The Central Business District and parts of the Nairobi Expressway were also listed among zones at higher risk.
Residents have been called upon to remain cautious as conditions may change quickly, raising the likelihood of flooding, flash floods and reduced visibility.
“Residents of the affected areas in Nairobi County are strongly advised to stay alert for potential floods, flash floods, and poor visibility on roads and pathways. Flood waters can appear suddenly even in locations that have not experienced heavy local rainfall, especially in downstream and low-lying zones,” the statement added.
The department further warned against unsafe actions during storms, including attempting to cross flowing water or taking shelter under trees and near metal structures due to lightning risks.
It also urged the public to avoid flooded zones that may be connected to electrical systems and to switch off non-essential electrical appliances during storms to reduce danger.
