Heavy rains and strong winds swept through parts of Kisumu, injuring four people and causing extensive damage to businesses, hotels, and temporary structures, as the weatherman continues to warn of heavy rainfall in parts of the country.
Addressing the media on November 10, traders and residents were caught off guard as strong winds tore through the popular lakeside business centre.
one of the affected traders, Josephine Ondiek, said the storm developed so rapidly that people barely had time to seek shelter.
She described how the weather suddenly changed, with the area becoming dark as the winds intensified, leaving people stranded and struggling to find safety.
Ondiek said several structures collapsed during the storm, while floodwater swept into hotels, forcing occupants to flee.
Kisumu Traders Describe Terrifying Moments as Storm Destroys Businesses
She added that the destruction left some people trapped as they searched for ways to escape the collapsing buildings and rising water.
The trader also said one of their colleagues had been taken to hospital after the incident.
“We thought we were just sheltering from a brief gust of wind, but within moments, everything changed. Suddenly, it became completely dark, and we found ourselves stranded. Everyone was knocked down.
The buildings collapsed, and the water flooded the hotels. We were just trying to find a way out. Even as we speak, one of our colleagues is in hospital,” she recounted.
Other Counties Experiencing Heavy Rainfall
In Vihiga, residents are also counting their losses after a sudden downpour accompanied by strong winds ripped iron sheets off several houses, leaving families exposed and without shelter.
On Tuesday, November 10, President William Ruto had to cut short his address in Nyagesa, Kisii County, after heavy rainfall disrupted his speech.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, heavy overnight rains between Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31 caused flooding on major roads, underpasses and ground-floor business premises.
Also Read: Weather Alert: Expect Heavy Rainfall and Regional Temperature Extremes
November Weather
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has forecast above-average rainfall in 44 counties across the country in November 2026, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Meru.
According to the department’s monthly weather outlook, enhanced short rains are expected across several regions, including the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, the Coast and parts of the Northeast and Northwest.
Some areas could record more than 120mm of rainfall within seven days between November 10 and November 16, raising the risk of flash floods in several counties.
Also Read: Floods Hit Nairobi: Vehicles Stuck, Roads Cut Off as Questions Over El Niño Preps Emerge
In its short-term forecast for the same period, the department predicted morning showers in coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River and Lamu.
Afternoon thunderstorms are expected in western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley, while Nairobi, Kisumu and neighbouring areas could experience night showers.
On temperatures, the department forecast warmer-than-average daytime conditions across the country, with highs ranging between 35°C and 39°C in some arid northern and coastal areas, including Garissa, Wajir and Turkana.
However, high-altitude areas are expected to experience colder nights, with temperatures falling below 10°C in some locations.
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