Rains are set to subside in intensity from Tuesday, March 10, although moderate to heavy showers will continue across parts of the Nairobi Metropolitan region, the Kenya Meteorological Department has revealed.
In its latest advisory, the weatherman said heavy rainfall remains in effect until Monday evening in many parts of Nairobi.
However, it warned that moderate to heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms would continue across several other counties within the metropolitan area over the next 24 hours.
Kenya met revealed that rainfall intensity has slightly eased from the peak experienced between March 4 and March 7, which caused massive destruction of properties and loss of lives.
Still, forecasters caution that flooding remains likely because soils are already saturated following weeks of persistent rainfall since February.
This increase, authorities say, increases the risk of waterlogging, flash floods, and drainage overflows in low-lying areas.
Within Nairobi City County, widespread showers are expected Sunday night and Monday, with heavier showers forecast in Embakasi South, Kibra, Makadara, Kamukunji, Roysambu, Westlands, Dagoretti, and Kasarani, mostly in the afternoons and evenings.
At the same time, the neighbouring Kiambu County will also experience the rains in Gatundu, Thika, Juja, Ruiru, Limuiru, Kikuyu, Kabete, and Githunguri.
The weatherman also forecasts rainfall in parts of Kajiado County, especially across the north, west, and central Kajiado, while Machakos County expects showers in Kathiani, Machakos Town, Yatta, and the northern parts of the county.
Despite the easing in rainfall intensity, meteorologists warn that flooding risks remain high due to prolonged wet conditions.
The weather department extended advice to residents of these areas to avoid areas prone to flooding and also to monitor official weather updates.
In the same depth, emergency agencies like the Kenya Red Cross and county rescue teams continue to monitor the situation as the region anticipates a gradual reduction in rainfall intensity.
The rainfall witnessed across the country has caused massive destruction of properties, roads, and bridges, and even loss of lives, with recent updates showing that in Nairobi alone, over 43 people have died following the floods and heavy rainfall witnessed on Friday night.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, families across 16 counties are counting losses worth millions of shillings after floodwaters swept roads, homes, and their businesses.
Kenya Red Cross also reveals that thousands of households have been affected, while 4,845 people have been displaced, forcing families to abandon their homes and seek shelter at raised grounds.
Further, the floods have destroyed over 20,800 acres of arable land, threatening the country’s food security in the near future if the situation persists.