Kenya Meteorological Department on Monday cautioned Kenyans to brace themselves for increased rainfall in several parts of the country as a result of the effects of Cyclone Ialy presently in the Indian Ocean.
In a statement, the department explained that Nairobi will be affected alongside other highland areas including the Rift Valley.
The storm, which has heavy rainfall effects and is likely to cause strong winds, is sweeping through the South-West Indian Ocean.
Other effects expected in Kenya include strong southerly winds and large waves from the Indian Ocean.
"The storm is likely to enhance rainfall over the western half of the country and parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi," read the advisory in part.
"Large waves are expected over the Indian Ocean. Strong southerly winds are anticipated over the eastern sector of the country. Heavy rainfall off the Coast of Kenya may occasionally propagate inland."
Kenya Met, however, explained that cyclones cannot come very close to the equator (within 5 degrees south or 5 degrees north, approximately 480 km from the equator) which is expected to soften the effects of the cyclone.
Areas to be affected include; Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi and Kericho among others.
Reports indicate that the cyclone formed in the Indian Ocean South of Seychelles on Tuesday last week and was moving at a speed of 100 kilometers per hour.
“The heavy rainfall is predicted to intensify to more than 40mm in 24hrs over the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area, Lake Victoria Basin and off the Coast on 20th to 21st May, 2024,” Kenya Met had earlier cautioned.
Earlier this month, Cyclone Hidaya hit the Tanzanian Coast with devastating effects but its effects in Kenya were mild.
At the time, Kenyans living on the Coastal line including counties of Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu were warned of expected heavy rainfall.
In Tanzania, the cyclone caused immense effects, especially along the country's Coast including a major blackout in most parts of the country.
