Kenya is experiencing a period of intense rainfall as the Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) warns that heavy rains are expected to persist across much of the country until Monday, March 9, 2026, raising fears of flooding, landslides, and widespread disruption.
The advisory, issued earlier this week, indicates that several regions could experience moderate to heavy rainfall ranging between 40mm and 100mm in some locations, particularly between March 7 and March 8. Meteorologists caution that saturated soils and continued downpours significantly increase the risk of flash floods and runoff in both urban and rural areas.
According to Kenya Met and reports by local media including People Daily, the heaviest rainfall is expected in regions such as the Lake Victoria Basin, Western Kenya, parts of the Central Highlands, the Southeastern lowlands, and coastal areas. Counties likely to experience intensified rainfall include Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Meru, Nairobi, Narok, Kajiado, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, and Taita Taveta, among others.
Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas and low-lying regions to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories, especially those living near rivers or drainage channels.
The heavy rainfall has already led to severe flooding in several parts of the country, particularly in Nairobi, where flash floods have caused casualties and major disruptions. According to international reports cited by Reuters and the Associated Press, at least 23 to 25 people have died after floodwaters swept through neighborhoods and roads in the capital.
Floodwaters reportedly swept away vehicles, flooded homes, and disrupted major transport routes, while some flights were diverted from Nairobi’s main airport due to severe weather conditions. Rescue teams, including the Kenya Defence Forces and the Kenya Red Cross, have been deployed to assist affected communities and carry out emergency response operations.
Local reports from Kenyan media outlets such as KTN News indicate that several informal settlements and low-lying neighborhoods in Nairobi experienced flash flooding overnight, leaving residents stranded and commuters stuck in traffic for hours.
The ongoing rains coincide with the March–May “long rains” season in East Africa, which often brings heavy downpours and occasional flooding. Climate experts note that the intensity of rainfall events in the region has been increasing in recent years, a trend many scientists link to broader climate variability and warming global temperatures.
Previous extreme rainfall seasons in Kenya have resulted in significant humanitarian crises. For instance, heavy storms in recent years have destroyed homes, displaced thousands of people, and damaged infrastructure across the country.
The Kenyan government has mobilized emergency agencies to respond to the crisis. Authorities are working to clear blocked drainage systems, assist stranded residents, and distribute relief supplies to affected communities. Officials have also promised support for families impacted by the floods, including covering hospital costs for victims.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department continues to monitor the evolving weather patterns and provide regular updates to help communities prepare for further rainfall. As Kenya awaits the easing of rainfall expected after March 9, authorities are urging residents to remain cautious, avoid crossing flooded roads and rivers, and move to higher ground where necessary.Early warning alerts and coordinated response efforts are seen as crucial in reducing the loss of lives and protecting infrastructure during extreme weather events.
