Kenya Met Issues Heavy Rain Alert for Dozens of Counties as Flood Risk Rises

Aftermath of El Nino Rains in North Eastern Kenya

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning over expected heavy rainfall in dozens of counties, cautioning residents about possible flash floods, strong winds and dangerous travel conditions.

In an advisory released on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the weather agency said several parts of the country could receive rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres within the next 24 hours.

The forecast covers the Coast, Northeastern Kenya, the Central Highlands, areas on both sides of the Rift Valley and parts of the southeastern lowlands, including sections of Nairobi.

Kenya Met warned that the expected downpours could cause flooding in low-lying areas, while reduced visibility could make travelling difficult for motorists and other road users.

Residents have been urged to remain alert, particularly those living near rivers, streams and areas that frequently experience flooding.

Full List of Counties Under the Weather Alert

The warning affects counties across several regions of the country.

Along the Coast, the counties expected to experience rainfall include Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River and Lamu.

In Northeastern Kenya, the forecast covers Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit and Isiolo.

Western Kenya and the Rift Valley are also expected to receive rainfall. The affected counties include Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Kisii.

Others are Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet.

In the Central Highlands, residents of Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Laikipia and Tharaka-Nithi are also covered by the advisory.

The forecast further includes Narok, Kajiado, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui and Taita Taveta, as well as parts of Nairobi.

The intensity and timing of rainfall may differ from one location to another, making it important for residents to follow updated forecasts.

Residents Warned About Sudden Flooding

Kenya Met has cautioned that heavy rainfall can cause flooding even in areas that do not receive significant rain themselves.

This can happen when water flows from higher ground into lower-lying locations, causing rivers and drainage channels to fill rapidly.

People living near waterways have been advised to watch for rising water levels and move to safer locations if flooding threatens their homes.

Residents should also avoid attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or rivers, as moving water can sweep away people and vehicles.

The warning is particularly important for motorists travelling through areas where heavy rainfall could reduce visibility and make roads slippery.

Strong Winds of Up to 46km/h Expected

The weather department has also forecast southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots, equivalent to approximately 46 kilometres per hour.

The winds are expected to affect parts of the Coast, eastern and northern regions.

Such conditions could disrupt outdoor activities and create hazards around loose roofing materials, unsecured objects and trees.

Residents have been advised to secure loose items and exercise caution during periods of strong winds.

Kenya Met has also warned people against sheltering under trees during thunderstorms because of the risk of lightning strikes.

Why Some Parts of Kenya Remain Hot Despite the Rain Forecast

The rainfall warning comes amid the October-to-December short rains season, which normally brings rainfall to many parts of Kenya.

However, some areas have continued to experience hot weather despite expectations of increased rainfall.

Kenya Met has explained that El Niño does not mean rain will fall continuously across the country. Instead, it influences wider weather patterns, which can result in varying rainfall levels and temperatures across different regions.

Other climate systems, including the Indian Ocean Dipole and the Madden-Julian Oscillation, also influence rainfall patterns.

Consequently, some locations may experience intense rainfall while others continue to record sunny conditions between showers.

The department expects warmer-than-normal temperatures in parts of the country during the season, even as rainfall increases in several regions.

Residents have been encouraged to rely on official weather updates and take appropriate precautions as conditions change.

Kenya Met says it will continue monitoring the situation and provide further information where necessary.