Kenya Met Issues Marine Safety Advisory Over Waves And Strong Winds Along the Coast

The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has issued a marine safety advisory for the Kenyan coast, warning of large ocean waves and strong winds in four coastal counties.

The advisory covers Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu, where sea conditions are expected to range from slight to moderate, with waves reaching up to six feet in some areas.

According to the authority’s Daily Marine Near Shore Forecast issued on September 22, the conditions are expected between 0000 hours on September 23 and 0000 hours on September 24, 2026.

Kenya Met Warns Coastal Counties of Large Waves, Strong Winds

Kenya Met stated that ESE waves measuring between 4 and 6 feet, which is 1.2 to 1.8 metres, will be experienced across Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu.

“Slight to moderate sea conditions are expected with a significant wave height of 1.2 to 1.8m in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lam,” Kenya Met stated.

The department said morning conditions would feature light south-southeasterly to southerly winds of between 8 and 14 knots, accompanied by slightly choppy seas.

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In the afternoon, winds are expected to strengthen to between 11 and 16 knots, resulting in moderate choppy sea conditions.

Visibility is expected to remain moderate at between 9 and 10 kilometres across the four counties.

Additionally, Kenya Met highlighted that Mombasa and Kilifi are expected to experience some of the largest waves during the forecast period.

In Mombasa, morning waves are forecast to reach 6 feet, with winds of between 8 and 10 knots. Afternoon waves are expected to reduce slightly to 5 feet, while winds increase to between 12 and 15 knots.

In Kilifi, waves are expected to reach 6 feet both in the morning and afternoon, with winds ranging between 9 and 14 knots in the morning before increasing to between 12 and 16 knots in the afternoon.

On the other hand, Kwale is expected to record waves of about 4 feet, with winds increasing from 8 to 9 knots in the morning to 12 to 14 knots in the afternoon.

In Lamu, waves are forecast at about 5 feet, while winds are expected to increase from 8 to 12 knots in the morning to 11 to15 knots in the afternoon.

Small Boats Warned Over Sea Conditions

Weatherman advised small boats and other marine crafts to exercise caution while venturing into deep-sea areas.

“Small boasts and crafts are advised to be cautious while venturing into deep sea areas,”

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The department classified the expected sea conditions as slight to moderate, with significant wave heights of between 1.2 and 1.8 metres.

Winds of between 8 and 16 knots are also expected throughout the forecast period.

KMD noted that winds between 7 and 21 knots can cause small boats to become unstable, with boats potentially being affected by water spray.

Therefore, the department urged operators to exercise caution while undertaking marine activities during the forecast period.

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Edward Maina Muriuki is the Acting Director of Meteorological Services at the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). PHOTO/ Kenya Met