Kenya Meteorological Department has given a heavy rainfall warning that encompasses much of the country advising its people to prepare against the possibility of having floods between Saturday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The advisory applies to counties around the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands to the east and the west of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi and is likely to be transferred to the South-eastern Lowlands and Coastal region, especially the South Coast.
Met predicts that on Saturday, there will be more than 20mm of rainfall at the affected areas and possibly more than 30mm of rainfall per day during the period between Sunday and Tuesday (February 22-24).
The rainfall is likely to be less on the 25 th of February.
High risk counties are Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Kakamega, Embu, Muranga, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, southern Tana River and some parts of Kilifi.
We encourage people to be cautious and keep an eye on the official news. The downpour may result in an unexpected rainfall even when the particular area may not have received heavy rainfall hence preparedness is very important, Kenya Meteorological department Acting Managing Director Edward Muriuki said in a statement.
The department has cautioned the residents against driving or walking through flowing water, to be wary in open fields and to observe flash floods in low plots and riverine areas.
A fast movement of flood waters can occur and can look downstream of a region that is not under water. Individuals should be extremely careful, Muriuki said. This alert follows the several weeks of occasional rainfall in the country with some areas already reporting water logging and light flooding.
Meteorologists caution that the coming rains belong to the seasonal weather patterns but they are likely to be increased in the changing climatic conditions. Local governments in the areas prone to the risks have been encouraged to make sure that the drainage systems are clear, schools and other facilities are ready to face any kind of disruption, and emergency services are on standby.
Inhabitants of Nairobi and its environs are informed to follow the latest news by KMD on its web pages, WhatsApp platform and FASTA-Ken. The Department has also urged the people to abide by county-based forecasts in order to have a clear picture of local risks.
It stressed the fact that, though the chances of the heavy rainfall are moderate (33%-66% likelihood), the effects may be consequential in areas with a high propensity towards floods. Even a fair chance is not to be taken lightly. Quick response is life-saving and property not damaged, as Muriuki pointed out.
In the past, Kenya has suffered extreme flooding after heavy rainfall which is another factor that has resulted in loss of life, destruction of property and also transport networks. Through this warning, the authorities are advising residents to prepare in advance, relocate their treasures to secure places and by no means should they walk or drive through the flood water.
The advisory is valid between February 21, 3pm until February 25, 6 pm with updates being issued as the situation changes.
