Brace for More Rain: Kenya Met Raises Heavy Rain Alert as Downpours Persist Into March

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), has issued a heavy rainfall advisory warning that heavy rains with over 20 millimetres of rainfall in a space of 24 hours will continue to fall in different parts of the country up to early March.

In the advisory issued on February 25, 2026, the department warned of the heavy rains and how they will continue in some parts of the country and start subsiding in others.

According to the advisory, it is classified as “Heavy Rainfall” under Advisory No. 01/2026, Message Update No. Two, and it is effective from “25th February 2026 4.00 pm to 3rd March 2026 9.00 pm.”

The department also warned of the “Moderate to Heavy” level of severity with a “Moderate Probability of occurrence (33% to 66% Chance),” indicating a high level of certainty.

Rainfall Expected to Persist in Western and Lake Basin Regions

In its detailed forecast, the department stated that, “the current heavy rainfall of more than 20mm in 24 hours being experienced over several parts of the country is expected to continue from 25th to 28th February 2026 and likely to spread to parts of the Northeastern.”

While some regions are expected to experience reduced intensity, the advisory notes that “the intensity is projected to decrease by 1st March 2026 over the Southeastern lowlands, the Coastal region, and the Highlands East of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi).”

However, residents in western Kenya and surrounding areas have been warned to brace for prolonged rainfall.

The statement emphasized that, “heavy rainfall of more than 20mm within 24 hours is expected to persist over the Lake Victoria Basin and the Highlands West of the Rift Valley until 3rd March 2026.”

Also Read: Kenya Met Issues Update on Long Rainy Season After Heavy Rains Hit Parts of the Country

Over 30 Counties on Alert

The advisory lists an extensive number of counties under areas of concern.

These include Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Nairobi, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, Tana River and Kilifi.

It further specifies “parts of Isiolo, Marsabit and Garissa” as likely to be affected.

Flood and Lightning Risk

Residents in the affected counties are advised to take precautionary measures.

The department warned that, “residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility.”

It added that, “flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream,” highlighting the risk of sudden inundation even in areas not directly experiencing intense rainfall.

Also Read: Kenya Met Warns of Uneven Rainfall, Floods and Dry Spells Ahead of Long Rains

The advisory strongly cautions the public to, “avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.”

Authorities also assured the public that, “updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes.”

The message has been addressed to top government offices and agencies including the Presidency, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the National Disaster Operations Centre, Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, and county meteorological directors, underscoring the scale and seriousness of the alert.

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Kenya Met Boss Edward Muriuki speaking at past event. PHOTO/KNA