Nairobi, Kenya (KAAB TV) – The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a heavy rainfall advisory warning residents across several parts of the country to brace for intense downpours, flash floods, and possible landslides.
The advisory follows a forecast indicating that rainfall across many regions is expected to increase significantly in intensity and coverage over the next week.
In its seven-day forecast covering 23–30 October 2025, KMD reports that rainfall currently pounding parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the Highlands West of the Rift Valley will intensify to over 30 millimetres within 24 hours.
The heavy rains are expected to extend to the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, and parts of the Southeastern lowlands starting Thursday, 23 October.
“The heavy rainfall is expected to continue and spread to parts of the Northeastern region by Thursday, 30 October 2025,” said Kennedy Thiong’o, a senior official from the Meteorological Department, in a statement released to newsrooms.
The weatherman has placed 39 counties under heightened alert due to the risk of flash floods, lightning strikes, and landslides including Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori and Isiolo.
Even in areas that may not experience direct heavy downpours, especially downstream regions, residents have been cautioned that floodwaters may overflow from upstream sources, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
The KMD has urged the public to exercise extreme caution during this period and follow safety guidelines to minimize risk.
Local disaster management committees and county governments have also been urged to remain on standby and activate emergency response mechanisms to assist affected communities.
According to the Meteorological Department, the ongoing rainfall is likely to mark the onset of the October–November–December (OND) Short Rains Season across most parts of the country.
The onset is expected to bring above-average rainfall in several regions, particularly in Western, Central, and parts of Eastern Kenya, in line with the 2025 OND Forecast.
However, parts of the Southeastern lowlands and the Coastal region may experience a delayed or reduced onset of the rains compared to other areas.
The KMD emphasized that the heavy rains, though potentially destructive, also present opportunities for replenishing water sources, improving pasture conditions, and boosting agricultural production—provided that safety and land management measures are observed.
As the short rains season takes shape, Kenyans are urged to stay informed through official weather updates and avoid spreading unverified information. The KMD continues to monitor the evolving weather systems and will issue regular advisories to ensure public safety and preparedness.
“We advise all residents to remain vigilant, follow official guidance, and take necessary precautions to protect lives and property,” the statement concluded.