The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a weather alert for the Nairobi Metropolitan area, detailing expected weather patterns in the next 24 hours.
The alert comes amid the Eid al-Mubarak celebrations in Nairobi.
According to the weatherman, moderate to heavy rain showers are expected in parts of the stated regions.
The advisory is valid from 09:00 AM on March 20 to 09:00 PM on March 21.
Rainfall Outlook Across the Metro
According to KMD’s latest forecast, showers are expected across the three counties in the Nairobi Metropolitan region, including Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado.
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In Nairobi County, moderate rainfall is expected, with isolated heavier pockets in Dagoretti, Kibra, Langata, and parts of Embakasi.
These areas may experience short bursts of heavy rain, potentially affecting traffic flow and outdoor activities during the day.
Kiambu County is also expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly in northern and western zones, including Gatundu North, Limuru, Kikuyu, and Kabete.
According to the forecast, Kajiado County will see moderate to heavy showers, with heavier rainfall concentrated in the northern and western parts of the county.
Kenya Met Issues Flood Warning
On March 19, the meteorological department had warned of flooding to affect several parts of the country, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley region, and the Highlands East of the Rift Valley.
The Highlands East region includes Nairobi and surrounding counties, which are expected to record sustained rainfall during the advisory period.
KMD says the heavy rainfall may be accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas, increasing the risk of flooding and flash floods, especially in low-lying regions, urban centres with poor drainage, and areas near rivers.
The department has warned residents living in flood-prone zones to remain on high alert throughout the period.
Poor visibility during heavy rain can also disrupt transportation, especially on highways and rural roads.
As such, motorists are advised to exercise caution, reduce speed, and avoid driving through areas where water has covered the road.
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Kenya Met also warned against walking through flowing water, noting that even shallow floodwater can be dangerous due to strong currents and hidden debris.
How Nairobi is Mitigating on Flood Risk
Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja launched a major operation to demolish illegal structures along riverbanks and restore natural waterways as part of flood mitigation plans.
Announced on Thursday, March 19, the move targets areas where encroachment has narrowed rivers and blocked drainage, raising the risk of flooding across the city.
The operation includes dismantling structures that have constricted waterways, including sections where rivers have been reduced to narrow culverts incapable of handling heavy flows.
Speaking during the inspection and demolition exercise in Westlands, Sakaja confirmed that the exercise had begun following the submission of a 48-hour action report by the Infrastructure Subcommittee.
The operation focuses on dismantling structures that have constricted rivers and reduced sections of waterways to narrow culverts incapable of handling heavy flows.
At Westgate, for example, a river had been confined to a small culvert, prompting immediate action to restore proper water movement.
Sakaja warned that all structures built along waterways will be removed without exception, urging residents and developers to vacate voluntarily ahead of enforcement.
