The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that six regions in the country are at risk of experiencing floods and landslides following enhanced rainfall expected this month.
In its monthly weather forecast, the weatherman stated that the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, Nairobi County, the Lake Victoria Basin, the South Rift, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the low-lying areas of northern Kenya are likely to experience flash and riverine floods, especially in poorly drained areas.
Additionally, the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley are at a higher risk of experiencing landslides.
Kenya Met has urged the public to exercise vigilance and refrain from walking, driving, or cycling near moving waters to avert risks.
"There is a possibility of isolated storms occurring, which could result in flash and riverine floods in poorly drained urban centres and along rivers," it stated.
Motorists, on the other hand, have been encouraged to exercise caution, especially on days with heavy rainfall, due to slippery roads and poor visibility conditions they might encounter.
The department also highlighted that areas receiving near or above average rainfall may experience isolated cases of land degradation and soil erosion. The public has been urged to plant trees to help expand forest cover across the country.
Additionally, residents of Kisii, Kisumu, Nandi, Kakamega, Narok, and Bungoma counties have been cautioned against seeking shelter from the rain under trees or near metallic structures, given the high likelihood of lightning strikes in these areas.
There may be a spike in water- and vector-borne diseases, particularly in the Lake Victoria Basin, due to the expected near-above-average rainfall in the region.
"There may be an increase in water- and vector-borne diseases in areas that are expected to receive near to above average rainfall, especially over the Lake Victoria Basin, as stagnant water coupled with warmer-than-average temperatures are likely to provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pathogens," it stated.
Kenya Met has further urged farmers in the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central and South Rift Valley, and the Southeastern Lowlands to take advantage of the rains and liaise with relevant agricultural authorities.
Additionally, the weatherman assured that pastures in Northern Kenya, where pastoralism is prevalent, will rejuvenate following the expected rainfall.
The rainfall will enhance water availability for both domestic and livestock use, and the department has stressed the importance of adopting rainwater harvesting and storage practices.
Furthermore, increased inflow into hydropower reservoirs is expected to boost hydropower generation and contribute to groundwater recharge for geothermal power production.
