The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a warning to drivers as heavy rains are forecast across various parts of the country this week.
With the weather expected to create challenging driving conditions, the NTSA has urged motorists to take extra precautions to ensure safety on the roads.
In a notice on Tuesday, the authority emphasised the importance of using fog lights to reduce glare and improve visibility during heavy rain, fog, or mist.
According to the latest seven-day weather forecast from the Kenya Meteorological Department, valid from 18th to 24th March 2025, significant rainfall is expected in several regions, including the highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the Coast.
This includes Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Kisumu counties, among others.
The forecast predicts intermittent heavy downpours, which could lead to flooding and reduced visibility on the roads. Drivers are advised to remain vigilant and adapt their driving habits to the prevailing weather conditions.
The NTSA has specifically recommended that drivers use fog lights during heavy rains to enhance their ability to see the road and to ensure that other motorists can spot them easily.
However, the authority has cautioned against using high beams, as they tend to reflect off the rain and mist, further reducing visibility. Fog lights should be switched off once visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users.
This warning comes in the wake of a worrying trend of road accidents during the rainy season. Data from the NTSA reveals that in January 2025 alone, there were over 1,200 reported road accidents, many of which were attributed to poor visibility and slippery road conditions caused by heavy rains.
Comparatively, during the long rains of 2024, which typically occur between March and May, the country recorded a significant spike in accidents, with flooding and waterlogged roads contributing to numerous collisions and fatalities.
The NTSA has reiterated that safety on the roads during the rainy season requires a collective effort from all road users. Drivers are encouraged to reduce their speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid sudden braking, which can lead to skidding on wet surfaces.
Pedestrians and cyclists are also advised to wear reflective clothing and use designated crossings to enhance their visibility to motorists.
In addition to the immediate risks posed by heavy rains, the NTSA has highlighted the potential for flooding, which can render some roads impassable. Motorists are urged to avoid driving through flooded areas, as the depth of the water can be deceptive, and strong currents can sweep vehicles away.
The NTSA's warning is particularly timely, as the long rainy season is known to bring some of the most hazardous driving conditions of the year.
Last year, during the long rains, several major highways were affected by flooding, leading to prolonged traffic jams and multiple accidents.
