Kenya Met Issues a Heavy Rainfall Advisory; 13 Counties Listed as Areas of Concern

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a heavy rainfall advisory, warning that 13 counties are likely to experience significant precipitation over the next few days. 

The alert, released on Friday, December 26, 2025, indicates that parts of the country will receive moderate to heavy rainfall from Saturday, December 27, through Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

According to KMD, the probability of rainfall ranges between 33% and 66%, with some areas expected to receive more than 20mm of rain within 24 hours. 

The southeastern lowlands are likely to experience the heaviest rainfall on December 27, while the intensity is expected to increase over the highlands west and east of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and southern parts of the Coastal region on December 28 and 29. The department forecasts that rainfall intensity will ease by December 30.

Counties Likely to Be Affected

The advisory specifically lists Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, southern Kitui, Taita Taveta, and Kwale as areas of concern. Residents in these counties are urged to remain vigilant, especially in flood-prone lowlands, areas near riverbanks, and poorly drained zones.

KMD has emphasized that flooding may lead to serious disruptions, including the destruction of homes, businesses, crops, and livestock. 

The department also warned that excess rainfall could result in road closures, washed-away bridges, and interruptions to transportation networks. Landslides and mudslides are also possible, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions, due to soil saturation.

Health and Safety Risks

Stagnant water following heavy rains could increase the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, avoid walking through floodwaters, and ensure that drinking water is safe. 

The department urges all communities to stay informed through official channels and follow guidance from local authorities.

Government Coordination and Response

The advisory has been shared with key government institutions, including the Presidency, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, the State Department for Environment and Climate Change, and the National Intelligence Service. 

The Kenya Red Cross has also issued a public statement urging citizens to stay alert and take necessary precautions.

Other institutions that have been notified include the Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, the National Disaster Operations Centre, National Disaster Management Unit, media outlets, county governments, and County Directors of Meteorological Services.

The Kenya Red Cross emphasized that timely preparation and awareness can reduce the risks associated with heavy rainfall. In their statement, the organization encouraged residents to “stay informed and take necessary precautions as advised by @MeteoKenya.”

Precautionary Measures

KMD recommends that residents living in affected areas take proactive steps to protect themselves and their property. These include:

• Monitoring local weather updates regularly

• Avoiding low-lying and flood-prone areas during heavy rainfall

• Securing homes, crops, and livestock from potential flood damage

• Ensuring safe drinking water and maintaining hygiene to prevent disease

• Preparing emergency supplies in case of displacement

The department has assured the public that it will provide timely updates should there be changes in the forecast or if the rainfall becomes more severe than anticipated.