The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory warning that several parts of the country are expected to experience moderate to heavy rains between May 7 and May 14, 2026.
In the advisory released on Thursday afternoon, the department said rainfall amounts are likely to exceed 20 millimetres within 24 hours in areas across the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Central Highlands and parts of the Southeastern lowlands.
According to the weather agency, the intensity of the rainfall is expected to peak between May 10 and May 13 before gradually reducing from May 14.
“The rainfall being experienced over several parts of the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, and Central Highlands including parts of the Southeastern Lowlands is expected to intensify,” the advisory stated.
Counties affected
The department further warned that the heavy rains are expected to spread to parts of the Northwestern region as the week progresses.
Counties likely to be affected include Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Nairobi, Narok and parts of Turkana, Samburu, Kajiado and Machakos counties.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain vigilant due to possible floods, flash floods and poor visibility.
The meteorological department cautioned motorists and pedestrians against attempting to cross flooded roads or walk through moving water, warning that flooding could occur even in places not directly receiving heavy rainfall.
Govt advisory
The department has urged members of the public to remain vigilant for potential floods, flash floods, and poor visibility.
It further warned that flooding may occur even in areas without heavy rainfall, particularly downstream.To ensure safety, members of the public are urged to avoid driving or walking through moving water or open fields.
“Do not seek shelter under trees or near grilled windows to minimize the risk of lightning strikes; Those in landslide-prone areas, especially along the slopes of the Aberdare Ranges, Mt. Kenya, and other hilly regions, should exercise extreme caution. Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes,” the Ministry stated.
