The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a heavy rainfall advisory, warning that several parts of the country will receive heavy rain between March 19 and March 24, 2026. In a notice dated March 18, Kenya Met cautioned that some areas are likely to receive rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres within 24 hours.
According to KMD, the heavy rainfall is expected from March 19 to March 24, 2026, with conditions set to intensify and peak between March 20 and March 23, before easing from March 24 while rains continue in several areas.
Kenya Met Issues Flood Warning
The alert by Kenya Met affects multiple 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 disrupt transportation, especially on highways and rural roads.
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 has also warned against walking through flowing water, noting that even shallow floodwater can be dangerous due to strong currents and hidden debris.
Call to Agencies
In addition to flooding risks, Kenya Met has stated that lightning strikes are expected in areas experiencing thunderstorms.
Residents have been advised not to shelter under trees or near grilled windows during storms.
The weather department says such spots may increase the risk of injury or death during lightning activity.
Communities living in such areas have been urged to stay vigilant and watch out for signs such as cracks in the ground, tilting trees, or unusual sounds that may indicate ground movement.
KMD has urged county governments, emergency services, and disaster response agencies to remain on standby and take early precautionary measures.
The department says close coordination is necessary to prevent loss of life and property damage, particularly in regions that experience repeated flooding during the long rains season.
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Urban areas, including Nairobi, are expected to experience traffic disruptions due to waterlogged roads and reduced visibility.
Residents have been advised to plan travel carefully, avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rain, and follow updates from relevant authorities.
Casualties Rise Amid Escalating Flood Crisis
The flood situation has already turned deadly, with several disasters reported across the country in recent days as heavy rains persist.
On Wednesday, March 18, a 22‑storey building under construction partially collapsed in Nairobi’s Westlands area, trapping workers under the rubble and triggering an overnight rescue operation by emergency teams.
Earlier the same day, a three‑storey building under construction collapsed in Kericho County, leaving one person dead and several others injured, with dozens rescued from the debris.
Just days earlier, on March 16, at least four people were killed after a partially demolished building collapsed at Blue Estate in Shauri Moyo, Nairobi, an area located near the Nairobi River.
Authorities said the structure was on riparian land and was among buildings earmarked for removal.
The incidents come amid widespread flooding that has left dozens dead nationwide, displaced families, damaged roads, and raised growing concern over building safety during prolonged heavy rains.
