Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued for Six Regions, Intensity Expected to Rise from Thursday

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a heavy rainfall advisory for six regions, warning that downpours are expected to intensify from Thursday, March 19, 2026.

The advisory, covering March 17–23, 2026, highlights areas at risk of flooding due to persistent rainfall. The regions under alert include the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the broader Rift Valley, the South-eastern Lowlands, and the Coast.

“Rainfall is expected over the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the South-eastern Lowlands, and the Coast region of Kenya, with increased intensity from Thursday. Isolated heavy rainfall events are also likely over parts of these regions,” the KMD forecast read.

Residents in northeastern and northwestern Kenya are expected to experience mostly dry, sunny conditions, although occasional isolated showers cannot be ruled out.

Temperatures will vary across the country, with daytime highs exceeding 30°C in the Coast, Northeastern, and Northwestern regions. Night-time lows are expected to drop below 10°C in parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, Central Rift Valley, North Rift, and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro.

The warning follows recent rains that caused floods in several parts of Nairobi and other regions, leaving roads submerged and emergency teams scrambling to assist residents. 

The National Police Service (NPS) reported that the floods have claimed 66 lives nationwide, including 50 men, 8 women, and 8 children.

Nairobi recorded the highest fatalities at 33, followed by 18 in the Eastern region and 8 in the Rift Valley, with 13 people rescued from rising waters during emergency operations.

Authorities have urged communities in flood-prone and low-lying areas to remain vigilant, stressing that the heavy rains expected from Thursday could worsen the situation. 

Citizens are advised to take necessary precautions, especially near rivers, dams, and poorly drained zones, as KMD continues to monitor the weather patterns.