Africa-Press – Kenya. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a nationwide warning of heavy rainfall expected to coincide with Idd-ul-Fitr celebrations, urging Kenyans to exercise caution as adverse weather conditions persist through the weekend and into early next week.
The department said rainfall will intensify from Friday through Monday, then gradually ease on Tuesday.
However, showers are expected to continue across several regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the central highlands, and Nairobi.
The warning comes at a time when many families will be travelling and gathering to mark the holiday, raising safety concerns, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Residents have been advised to avoid driving or walking through flowing water, remain alert to flash floods even in areas without heavy rainfall and refrain from sheltering under trees or near metallic structures during storms.
Those living in landslide-prone zones, especially in hilly areas such as the Aberdares and Mount Kenya slopes, have been urged to remain on high alert.
Counties expected to experience heavy rainfall include Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet and Kiambu.
Additional counties likely to be affected are Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Nairobi, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Garissa. Parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera and Tana River are also expected to receive significant rainfall.
The advisory comes against the backdrop of devastating floods that have already claimed 73 lives, with seven people still missing.
The Ministry of Interior reported that 68,975 people from 13,795 households have been displaced, while another 66,568 people from 13,313 households have been affected, losing homes, property and loved ones.
The situation has been particularly severe across 21 counties, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Narok, Kiambu, Migori, Siaya, Makueni, Busia, Wajir, Kisii, Homa Bay, Taita Taveta, Baringo, Kajiado, Kitui, Kwale, Machakos, Kericho, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and West Pokot.
Floodwaters have also destroyed schools, markets, roads and critical water and electricity infrastructure.
In response, multi-agency teams comprising the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Coast Guard Services, National Government Administration Officers, county governments, engineers, the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Power and other emergency partners have been deployed to support rescue operations and restoration of essential services.
The ministry called for vigilance and collective responsibility during the holiday period, urging Kenyans to prioritise safety while extending support to vulnerable members of their communities.
