The Kenya Meteorological Services has issued a warning to Kenyan residents regarding heavy rainfall expected from Friday to Sunday. Dr. David Gikungu, the Director of the Meteorological Department, announced on Thursday that significant rainfall, potentially leading to floods, is anticipated across various regions including the Rift Valley, Nairobi, Lake Victoria Basin, coastal areas, and 46 other counties.
Dr. Gikungu highlighted that the ongoing rainfall has already resulted in casualties and property damage, and it is projected to persist for two days before tapering off by Sunday. He mentioned, “We anticipate heavy rainfall exceeding 40mm within 24 hours in multiple areas such as the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the highlands both to the west and east of the Rift Valley, including the Nairobi region, Southeast Lowlands, Coast, and Northern sectors starting from April 25th, 2024.”
The forecast indicates a potential escalation of the heavy rainfall to over 50mm within 24 hours in the Rift Valley, the highlands to the west and east of the Rift Valley, Nairobi, the Southeast Lowlands, the Lake Victoria Basin, and coastal regions from April 26th to 27th, 2024, with a subsequent decrease in intensity by April 28th, 2024.
Several counties are expected to be significantly affected by the intense rainfall, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, and others spanning across various regions.
Dr. Gikungu urged residents in these areas to brace themselves for potential flooding, reduced visibility, strong winds, high waves along the coast, and southerly winds in the southeastern region. In light of the forecast, he advised the public to take precautions to minimize the risk of lightning strikes, including avoiding travel or walking through flooded areas, staying away from open fields and trees during thunderstorms, and refraining from seeking shelter near grilled windows.
Furthermore, individuals residing in mountainous regions such as the Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya, and Western areas have been cautioned to remain vigilant against the threat of landslides.
