Kenya Met issues heavy rainfall alert for 30 counties
By Cy Muganda, August 16, 2025The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory for 30 counties, warning residents to brace for intense downpours, strong winds, and possible flash floods from Sunday, August 17, to Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
In a statement posted on its X account on Saturday, August 16, 2025, the agency said rainfall over parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and Highlands West of the Rift is expected to intensify to more than 20mm within 24 hours, before spreading to the Highlands East of the Rift Valley.
“The rainfall pounding parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley and Highlands West of the Rift Valley is expected to intensify to more than 20mm in 24 hours and spread to the Highlands East of the Rift Valley on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The heavy rainfall is likely to continue up to Tuesday, August 19, 2025,” the statement from the meteorological department read.
However, the department forecasts that this intensity will decrease starting Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
“It is projected to reduce in intensity from Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The strong southerly winds of more than 25knots (12.9 m/s) being experienced over the eastern sector are projected to continue,” the statement reads.
Affected counties
The affected counties include Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nairobi, and parts of Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi.
Caution
Residents in these areas have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid crossing flooded roads or walking in moving water, and refrain from sheltering under trees during storms to reduce the risk of lightning strikes.
Those living near rivers and seasonal streams have also been advised to be on high alert for sudden surges in water levels, even in areas where it may not be raining.
“People living downstream rivers and along seasonal rivers should be careful since water may appear suddenly even though it may not be raining within the area,” the weatherman cautioned.
The Met Department warned that the expected strong winds could blow off roofs, uproot trees, and cause structural damage.
“Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damage,” the statement read.