Kenya Met warns of heavy rain in 40 counties, including Narok and Mombasa, to 28 October

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of moderate to heavy rain, more than 20 millimetres within 24 hours, across the Coast, Western, Northern, Central and Eastern regions from 24 to 28 October. The heaviest falls are expected on 26 to 28 October, and the rain is forecast to ease by 30 October.

The Star, which published the county list on 25 October, named 40 counties: Narok, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Kajiado, Laikipia, Nakuru, Kiambu, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua and Tharaka-Nithi, plus Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet. Parts of Nairobi, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni are also covered.

The department issued the alert at 18:47 on 24 October, rated it moderate severity, and set it to expire at 09:00 on 30 October. It says the rain could bring flash floods and poor visibility, and that floodwater can appear downstream in places where it has not rained heavily. The Kenyan news site Citizen Digital reported that the rain falls within the ongoing October–December short rains season.

The department advises people to avoid crossing flooded roads and swollen rivers, to stay away from drainage channels and to avoid sheltering under trees or near windows because of the lightning risk. The Star said motorists in the affected counties are expected to take extra care, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers.

A separate alert, issued at 16:50 on 24 October and expiring at the same time, covers Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu and Garissa. It advises caution during any maritime activities.

On the coast, the department has also issued a large-waves alert for Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Tana River. Waves above 2 metres are expected on 25 October, between 04:00 and 23:00. The advice is to suspend non-essential boat trips and fishing, secure boats and marine equipment, and stay away from exposed shorelines.

A fourth alert, issued at 17:38 on 24 October, warns of southerly to southeasterly winds above 25 knots (12.5 metres a second) in coastal, eastern and northern regions from 24 to 28 October. It advises people to take care when travelling and to keep away from trees, unstable structures and power lines.

The six-county alert says updates will be provided promptly if conditions change.