Nairobi Among 14 Counties Flagged for Potential Flooding Ahead of New Year ​​

Residents in several parts of Kenya, including Nairobi, have been urged to brace for heavy rainfall and potential flooding as the year comes to a close. 

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) issued the alert on Friday, December 26, 2025, warning that rains are likely to intensify from December 28 to 30, affecting multiple regions across the country.

According to KMD, the likelihood of heavy rainfall during this period ranges between 33% and 66%, which is classified as moderate to heavy. 

The alert specifies that southeastern lowlands are expected to experience rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours on December 27. 

The precipitation is expected to intensify further, reaching more than 30mm per 24 hours, spreading to 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. Rainfall intensity is projected to reduce gradually from December 30.

Counties Likely to Be Affected

The advisory lists 14 counties as areas of concern: Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, southern Kitui, Taita-Taveta, and Kwale. 

Residents in these areas are urged to remain vigilant, especially in flood-prone lowlands, areas along riverbanks, and poorly drained zones.

The department warned that excessive rainfall could lead to flooding, which may damage homes, roads, bridges, crops, and livestock. 

Landslides and mudslides are also a concern in hilly and mountainous regions due to saturated soil. The risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid may increase in areas where floodwaters stagnate.

Weather Conditions in Other Parts of the Country

While some regions are bracing for heavy rainfall, other parts of the country will remain relatively hot and dry during this period. 

Coastal counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, as well as parts of Tana River County, are expected to experience showers alongside hot conditions, with maximum temperatures reaching 34°C and minimums of 23°C.

Residents in northern counties such as Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Turkana, and Samburu are likely to enjoy mostly sunny intervals during the forecast period. 

However, strong southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 m/s) are expected in Marsabit County over the next five days, according to the department.

Precautionary Measures

KMD has advised residents to take precautionary measures to minimize risks posed by heavy rainfall. These include avoiding low-lying and flood-prone areas, securing homes and livestock, and ensuring access to safe drinking water. 

Residents should also be prepared for possible transportation disruptions, including road closures and washed-away bridges.

The Kenya Red Cross has supported the advisory, urging the public to stay informed and follow official guidance. “@MeteoKenya has issued a heavy rainfall advisory. Please stay informed and take necessary precautions,” the organization tweeted.

Government Coordination

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

Other stakeholders notified include the Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, the National Disaster Operations Centre, the National Disaster Management Unit, county governments, and County Directors of Meteorological Services.