The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rainfall across several parts of the country, with the most intense downpours expected between March 4 and March 7 and the advisory remaining in force until March 9.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rainfall is currently affecting multiple regions across Kenya, urging residents, motorists and businesses to remain cautious as the country experiences a period of intensified weather activity.
According to the agency’s latest advisory, peak rainfall is expected between March 4 and March 7, with the alert remaining active until March 9, 2026.
The weather system is forecast to affect several key regions including the Lake Victoria Basin, Western Kenya, the Central Highlands including Nairobi, the South Eastern Lowlands and the Coastal region.
Meteorologists say the rainfall could trigger localized flooding, disrupt transportation networks and affect economic activity in parts of the country if the downpours intensify as projected.
Regions Most Likely To Experience Heavy Downpours
The advisory identifies counties within the Lake Victoria Basin and Western Kenya as among the most likely to experience intense rainfall during the peak period.
These areas typically receive higher rainfall volumes due to their proximity to the lake and prevailing weather systems that drive moisture inland.
The Central Highlands, including Nairobi, are also expected to experience sustained rainfall during the advisory period, which could lead to increased traffic congestion and disruptions to daily commuting patterns.
Weather analysts note that rainfall in the Central Highlands often results in surface runoff in urban centres, particularly where drainage systems are overwhelmed during heavy storms.
Counties located in the South Eastern Lowlands are also expected to receive intermittent showers that could intensify during the peak rainfall window.
Meanwhile, the Coastal region may experience heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms as the weather system moves across different parts of the country.
Safety Advisory Issued To Residents
The meteorological agency has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid risky situations that commonly occur during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents have been advised to avoid crossing flooded roads, walking through fast-moving water and driving through areas where water levels may suddenly rise.
Authorities say many flood-related incidents occur when motorists attempt to drive through flooded roads or when pedestrians underestimate the strength of flowing water.
The weather department has therefore encouraged the public to prioritise safety during the advisory period.
“Stay alert and avoid flooded roads or moving water,” the agency said in its advisory, emphasizing the importance of caution during heavy rainfall.
Impact On Transport And Daily Activities
Heavy rainfall often affects road conditions across Kenya, particularly in urban areas where traffic congestion increases significantly during storms.
Reduced visibility and waterlogged roads can slow down transport networks, affecting logistics operations, commuter mobility and supply chains that depend on road transport.
Urban centres such as Nairobi frequently experience temporary disruptions when heavy rainfall coincides with peak travel hours.
Flooding in low-lying areas may also affect informal businesses, street markets and small traders who operate outdoors.
In rural areas, prolonged rainfall can affect agricultural activities by delaying harvesting or transport of produce to markets.
However, rainfall is also critical for replenishing water resources and supporting agricultural production in many parts of the country.
Growing Importance Of Weather Monitoring
Weather alerts from the Kenya Meteorological Department have become increasingly important in helping communities prepare for extreme weather conditions.
Government agencies, county administrations and disaster response teams rely on such advisories to coordinate preparedness measures and minimise the impact of severe weather events.
Early warnings also enable businesses in sectors such as agriculture, transport, construction and logistics to adjust operations where necessary.
Meteorological monitoring has become more significant in recent years as climate variability contributes to unpredictable rainfall patterns across East Africa.
The Kenya Meteorological Department continues to monitor the evolving weather system and may issue further updates should conditions change or the rainfall intensify beyond the current forecast.
Public Participation In Weather Updates
In addition to issuing advisories, the weather agency has encouraged residents across the country to share updates on local weather conditions.
Members of the public were invited to indicate whether they are currently experiencing heavy rainfall, light showers, dry conditions or flooding.
The agency also encouraged residents to share photos of rainfall conditions in their counties where it is safe to do so.
Officials say such real-time observations from the public can help provide additional situational awareness across regions experiencing varied weather patterns.
Advisory Remains In Effect Until March 9
The heavy rains advisory will remain active until March 9, with the peak rainfall expected to occur between March 4 and March 7.
During this period, residents in affected areas are advised to monitor weather updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department and take appropriate precautions.
Authorities say continued public awareness and preparedness remain key to reducing the risks associated with extreme rainfall events.
