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Heavy rainfall expected to hit multiple regions on Wednesday, Thursday – Met

A section of the B-9 road Mandera-Rhamu Road, which was cut off by floods for 12 hours, following heavy rains on April 22, 2024. (Photo: Adan Mohamed)

By Lucy Mumbi | 24 Apr 2024

The Department said the heavy rains could uproot trees, and cause floods and mudslides.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a stern warning for intense rainfall expected on Wednesday and Thursday across the country.

According to the latest weather forecasts, areas in the Highlands East and West of Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, the entire Rift Valley, the southeastern lowlands, the Coast and both northwestern and northeastern Kenya are likely to experience heavy rainfall.

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Residents in these areas have been advised to prepare for adverse weather conditions, which may lead to flooding and disruptions in daily activities.

Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department David Gikungu emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying the heavy rains could uproot trees, and cause floods and mudslides.

"This week’s heavy rains could escalate to more severe conditions, impacting communities with floods and mudslides," he said.

Recent data from the Department highlighted the significant amount of rainfall received in Nairobi and surrounding areas.

“Dagoretti Corner recorded 24.5mm, Eastleigh 84.5mm and Kabete 89.5mm in the last 24 hours, influenced by their geographical proximities,” Gikungu said.

He also mentioned that the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) received 17.5mm and Wilson Airport 51.6mm.

Gikungu further noted that the figures followed even higher recordings from Tuesday’s night rainfall, where Kabete led with 111mm of rainfall. Last week, he said, Dagoretti had over 100mm, topping rainfall charts nationwide.

Multiple buildings in Eastleigh's Seven Street on Third Avenue are inaccessible due to flooding after heavy rains pounded the area on April 24, 2024. (Abdirahman Khalif)

The weatherman has urged the public to stay informed through regular updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.

Meanwhile, the government has resolved to relocate residents along rivers to address flooding issues in Nairobi.

In a meeting led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday in Karen, the stakeholders said the communities along the rivers- Ngong, Nairobi and Mathare, have been mapped and segmented into 18 zones.

Gachagua said he has been informed that the communities living along the three rivers are ready to move.

“That is why we must be resolute in our decisions. We have a responsibility of making the right decision in the interest of our people. Key among other issues, the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration will involve relocation from the riparian and adjacent areas. I am informed that the communities living along the three rivers are ready to move. The issue at hand is dealing with those claiming to own the properties on the riparian land,” he said.

He reiterated that reclaiming the riparian areas will pave the way for programmes of transforming the rivers through a Multi-Agency Approach.