The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning of risky waterborne diseases that may accompany the heavy rains to be experienced in various parts of the country.
In a statement released on Tuesday, April 14, the weatherman asked members of the public to be vigilant through the wet conditions expected in the country between April 14 and April 20, 2020.
"There is a high risk of diarrhoea diseases especially in areas with poor drainage. Residents are advised to be on the lookout for such diseases and take necessary action," the statement reads in part.
A report by the World Health Organisation released on May 2, 2017, placed diarrhoea among the leading killers of children under the age of five. The report as of then indicated that the disease was responsible for 525,000 child deaths every year.
Listed under the areas of concern are; Siaya, Kisumu, Homa bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale counties.
Heavy afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected across the Lake Victoria Basin, the highlands west of the Rift Valley and the Central and South Rift Valley regions over the given period.
Kenya Met informed of maximum temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celcius in Mandera, Wajir and Lodwar, with minimum temperatures of less than 10 degrees Celcius in Nyahururu.
Winds of more than 25 knots are expected to be felt over Marsabit and Turkana counties between April 15 and April 20, 2020.
Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential flash floods. They are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees or near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes.
