Brace for heavy rains and flash floods

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) predicts heavy rainfall in various regions of Kenya this month. According to the KMSA Director, Edward Muriuki, this enhanced rainfall could lead to flash floods, riverine flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure. Low-lying coastal zones, flood-prone river basins, urban areas with poor drainage, and steep highland regions are especially vulnerable.

Above-average rainfall is expected in several counties, including the coastal regions, parts of the Eastern and Central regions, and numerous counties in the north and central regions. Muriuki warns that stagnant water could lead to an increase in mosquito breeding and the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria. Heavy rains might disrupt road transport, especially in rural areas, and could improve water availability for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use.

In arid and semi-arid regions, the rainfall may help recover water sources but could also cause localized flooding due to inadequate drainage systems. Above-average rainfall is expected to support land preparation and planting activities, enhance pasture regeneration, and improve water availability for livestock. However, it might also lead to waterlogging, delayed farm operations, increased crop diseases, and challenges in transporting agricultural produce.

The rainfall is expected to begin in the north-eastern counties of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, and last into January. Coastal counties, such as Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu, Kilifi, and Tana Delta, will experience cessation of rainfall in the second week of December. The Eastern Rift Valley counties, including Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, and inland parts of Tana River, as well as the Eastern region, will see rainfall onset in the second week of October and continue into January.