Full list of counties set to be hit by rain this weekend
By David Nthua, October 24, 2025The skies are opening up again, and the Kenya Meteorological Department is warning that the heavy rains we’ve been seeing in some parts of the country will only get stronger.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the weather forecaster said that from Thursday, October 23, most regions will experience heavy downpours, including Nairobi, central Kenya, parts of the Rift Valley, and the North.
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Through its X handle, the Kenya Met Department also wrote, “Rainfall currently affecting parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley and Highlands West of the Rift Valley is expected to intensify to more than 30mm in 24hrs and spread to the Highlands East of the Rift (including Nairobi) and South-Eastern Lowlands from Thursday, 23rd October 2025.
“The heavy rainfall is expected to continue and extend to parts of the North-East from 30th October 2025, marking the likely Onset of the OND 2025 Short Rains over many areas.”
The rains could go beyond 30 millimetres in just 24 hours, which is quite a lot. They will spread from the Lake Victoria Basin to the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, then move into the South Eastern Lowlands and eventually reach Northeastern Kenya before the end of the month.
The department says this marks the official start of the October–November–December short rains season.
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In its official update, the department said: “Rainfall currently affecting parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley and Highlands West of the Rift Valley is expected to intensify to more than 30mm in 24hrs and spread to the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi and parts of Southeastern lowlands on Thursday 23rd October 2025.”
The rains will continue up to October 30, with more intensity expected later in the week.
Counties likely to be affected
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the following counties are expected to experience the heaviest impact of the ongoing heavy rainfall:
- Kisumu
- Homabay
- Siaya
- Migori
- Busia
- Kisii
- Nyamira
- Nandi
- Kericho
- Bomet
- Kakamega
- Bungoma
- Narok
- Nakuru
- Trans Nzoia
- Uasin Gishu
- Elgeyo Marakwet
- Turkana
- Isiolo
- Samburu
- Marsabit
- Mandera
- Wajir
- Nyandarua
- Nyeri
- Murang’a
- Kiambu
- Meru
- Embu
- Tharaka Nithi
- Nairobi
- Kajiado
- Machakos
- Makueni
Residents living near rivers, floodplains, or low-lying areas are advised to remain vigilant. The Meteorological Department cautions that floodwaters may appear even in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream. People are urged to avoid walking or driving through moving water for their safety.
What Kenyans should do
The message is simple: be careful. If you live near slopes such as the Aberdare ranges or Mount Kenya, be on the lookout for landslides. Don’t take shelter under trees when it’s raining, and keep off open fields.
If you’re driving, slow down, and if a road looks flooded, don’t risk it. Wait it out or turn back. If you live in a flood-prone area, move valuables and livestock to higher ground.
The weatherman added that updates will be shared if the situation changes.
So, as you plan your weekend, carry that umbrella, watch the skies, and stay safe. The rains are here, and they’re coming heavy.