Africa-Press – Kenya. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a safety alert urging motorists and other road users to exercise caution as heavy rainfall and fog continue to affect parts of the country.
In its statement on Sunday, NTSA said the prevailing weather conditions have significantly increased risks on major roads. “Ongoing heavy rainfall and foggy conditions are affecting some parts of the country, significantly heightening road risks due to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces,” the authority said.
“We strongly urge drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists to exercise extreme caution.”
NTSA has advised road users to slow down, maintain safe distances, avoid overtaking in poor visibility, and watch out for flooded sections, especially on low-lying roads.
The warning follows a Meteorological Department advisory indicating moderate to heavy rainfall of more than 20–30mm in several regions. These include the Southeastern lowlands, the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and parts of the Coast.
The weather is expected to intensify in several counties through December 29 before easing on December 30, according to the Met Department. The rains will spread to the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the southern Coastal region.
The areas of concern include Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, southern Kitui, Taita-Taveta and Kwale.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods,” the advisory reads. Strong southeasterly winds reaching 25 knots are expected in Marsabit County over the next five days.
The weatherman said occasional rain will affect the southern half of the country, with rainfall intensity likely increasing as the weekend progresses.
Residents in Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties can expect cloudy skies with light rain and sunny intervals in the mornings, followed by afternoon and nighttime showers.
Maximum temperatures in these areas are expected to reach 29°C, with minimums around 5°C. Similar conditions are expected in Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta counties, as well as inland parts of Tana River County, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 32°C.
Along the coast, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale counties, and the coastal Tana River, will experience showers for most of the week except Friday and Saturday morning and afternoon.
Daytime temperatures in these areas are expected to reach 34°C, with nighttime lows of 23°C. Counties along the Rift Valley, Nyanza and Westerns region are likely to experience rain both during the day and night, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 32°C.
These include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia and West Pokot counties.
Meanwhile, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo counties will have sunny intervals throughout the day, with highs of 37°C and lows of 16°C. Turkana and Samburu counties will also see sunny days and partly cloudy nights, with temperatures between 16°C and 37°C. The department added that updates will be issued if conditions change.
