MET warns of Heavy Rains during IDD Weekend
As Kenyans prepare to mark Idd-ul-Fitr tomorrow, the Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rainfall expected across many parts of the country and continuing through to next Tuesday.
The rains are expected to intensify between tomorrow Friday and Monday, before gradually easing on Tuesday. However, rainfall will still persist in several regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the central highlands, including Nairobi.
This period of heavy rain comes at a time when many families will be travelling and gathering to celebrate. We urge all Kenyans to exercise extra caution, particularly in areas prone to flooding.
Residents are advised to:
• Avoid driving or walking through flowing water.
• Be cautious of flash floods, even in areas where it has not rained heavily.
• Avoid sheltering under trees or near metal structures during storms.
• Remain at high alert in landslide-prone areas, especially in hilly
regions such as the Aberdares and Mt. Kenya slopes.
Counties expected to experience heavy rainfall include Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet and Kiambu.
Additional counties to be affected include Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Nairobi, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Garissa.
Parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera and Tana River are also expected to receive significant rainfall during this period.
This advisory comes against the backdrop of a difficult and painful period for many communities, with 73 lives lost due to recent floods and 7 people still missing.
The impact has been widespread, with 68,975 people from 13,795 households displaced, while an additional 66,568 people from 13,313 households have been affected, losing loved ones, homes, and property.
The situation has been particularly dire across 21 counties – including Nairobi, Kisumu, Narok, Kiambu, Migori, Siaya, Makueni, Busia, Wajir, Kisii, Homa Bay, Taita Taveta, Baringo, Kajiado, Kitui, Kwale, Machakos, Kericho, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and West Pokot – where the floods have also destroyed schools, markets, roads, and critical water and electricity infrastructure.
In response, multi-agency teams comprising of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Coast Guard Services (KCGS), National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), County Governments, engineers,
The Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Power and other emergency partners have been deployed and are actively on the ground.
They continue to support rescue operations, assist affected families, and restore essential services.
As a country, this moment calls for heightened vigilance, compassion, and collective responsibility.
Even as we celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr, let us look out for one another, support vulnerable members of our communities and follow safety guidance issued by authorities.
Your safety, and that of your loved ones, must come first