Kenya Met Explains Cause of Current Heavy Rains and Floods

The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has informed the public that Heavy Rainfall Advisory No. 02/2026, issued on March 3, 2026 at 1600hrs, remains in force untilMarch 9, 2026 at 1900 hrs.

The advisory warns that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to continue through the weekend (7th to 8th March 2026), with isolated heavy storms of 40mm to 100 mm in some locations.

“Rainfall may persist into early next week, maintaining elevated risks of flooding, landslides and water contamination,” Kenya Met said.

Following the heavy downpour, the most affected areas included parts of Nairobi County (Westlands, Dagoretti, Embakasi, Kibra, Roysambu and Kasarani), as well as Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos counties, and sections of Western Kenya, the Rift Valley Highlands and the Coastal region.

Rainfall in Nairobi

Rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours shows significant accumulation in parts of the Nairobi region:

Dagoretti – 112.2 mm
Moi Airbase – 145.4 mm
Wilson Airport – 160 mm
Kabete -117.4 mm
Thika -59.6 mm

Also Read: Ruto Orders Deployment of KDF as Rain and Floods Disrupt Nairobi

Kenya Met explained that in meteorological terms, 20 mm of rainfall equals approximately 20 liters of water per square meter, a volume capable of quickly saturating soils, overwhelming drainage systems, and causing flooding in low-lying areas.

Kenya Met Rainfall Forecast

Areas expected to experience continued heavy rainfall:

1. Lake Victoria Basin: Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori.

2. Highlands West of the Rift Valley and Rift Valley counties: Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet and Narok.

3. Central Highlands including Nairobi: Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Nyandarua and Laikipia.

4. Southeastern Lowlands: Machakos, Kajiado, Makueni, Kitui and Taita Taveta.

5. Coastal region: Kwale, Mombasa and Kilifi.

Also Read: Police Confirm 23 Dead in Nairobi Floods, List Affected Estates and Roads

What Causes Current Rainfall

The Weatherman said the current rainfall is part of a prolonged wet spell that began in mid-February, 2026, as indicated in the March-April-May (MAM) 2026 rainfall onset update issued on 18th February, 2026.

“Continuous rainfall since that period has resulted in widespread soil saturation, significantly increasing the likelihood of flooding,” Kenya Met said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department said it regrets the damage to infrastructure and disruption to livelihoods caused by the ongoing rains.

The Department said it will continue to closely monitor the evolving weather situation and provide timely updates to support preparedness and response efforts.