By The Weekly Vision Environment Correspondent
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a rainfall alert for Nairobi and 25 other counties, warning that moderate to heavy downpours are expected over the next 24 hours. The forecast raises concerns over possible flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained urban areas, where heavy rainfall could disrupt transport, damage property and interfere with normal daily activities.
Nairobi residents have been urged to remain vigilant, as the capital is among the areas most susceptible to localised flooding during periods of intense rainfall. Previous heavy downpours have frequently resulted in severe traffic congestion, flooded roads and damage to homes and businesses in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
The weather advisory covers 26 counties, with Kenya Met cautioning that conditions could change rapidly as the rain system develops.
The Meteorological Department has advised members of the public to take the following safety measures:
- Avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers and other waterlogged areas.
- Stay away from riverbanks and low-lying locations during heavy rainfall.
- Secure outdoor items that could become hazardous in strong winds.
- Motorists should drive with extra caution due to reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces.
- Residents are encouraged to clear blocked drainage channels where possible to minimise localised flooding.
While the anticipated rainfall is expected to benefit agriculture, replenish water reservoirs and improve soil moisture in many parts of the country, heavy downpours in urban centres could place additional pressure on drainage infrastructure.
Past rainfall events of a similar nature have caused flooding, disrupted transport networks and, in some instances, resulted in injuries, property damage and loss of life.
Kenya Met has encouraged the public to monitor its official forecasts and advisories for updates, noting that weather conditions may change as the system progresses.
The latest alert also underscores the growing need for climate resilience, as Kenya continues to experience increasingly unpredictable weather patterns associated with climate change. Although improvements in early warning systems have enhanced preparedness, rapidly expanding urban areas remain particularly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme rainfall.
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