The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory, warning of intensified downpours across several parts of the country, with Nairobi among the areas listed as highly at risk of flooding.
In the advisory, which covers the period from October 23 to October 30, the weatherman noted that parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the Highlands West of the Rift Valley were already receiving rainfall, but the intensity was set to increase in the coming week.
According to the Kenya Met, rainfall intensity is set to surge to more than 30 millimetres within 24 hours, with rains set to spread to the Highlands East of the Rift, including Nairobi.
The weatherman also noted that from October 30, rains were likely to extend to parts of the North Eastern region, signalling an onset of the October to December short rain season in many areas.
Among the counties expected to receive more than average rainfall are Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, and Nakuru.
The others are Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Isiolo, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi and parts of Kajiado, Machakos and Makueni.
With this in mind, the Kenya Met has urged residents in the affected regions to exercise extreme caution, as the heavy rains are likely to trigger flash floods and landslides, especially in low-lying and hilly areas.
"Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods. Floodwaters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream," a statement from Kenya Met read.
"People in landslide-prone areas, especially over the slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya and other sloppy areas over the western region, should be on high alert."
In Nairobi, the threat is heightened because of the city's struggling drainage systems, which render the city prone to urban flooding, which has been a recurring challenge during the rainy seasons.
Motorists have been cautioned against attempting to drive through moving or stagnant water, since even shallow floods can sweep vehicles off the road or conceal open manholes.
Similarly, pedestrians are advised to avoid walking through flooded paths or near stormwater channels.
Further, the weatherman also warned members of the public to keep away from open fields, trees and power lines during thunderstorms, as lightning strikes pose genuine risks during intense rain episodes.
