Kenya Met Warns of Flooding in Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado; Rains of Up to 100mm

Kenya Met Warns of Flooding in Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado; Rains of Up to 100mm

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a fresh warning of possible flooding across the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, cautioning residents to remain vigilant as heavy rainfall continues to threaten several counties already affected by recent downpours.

In an advisory released on Saturday, March 7, the weather agency said moderate to heavy rains are expected to persist in Nairobi, Kiambu County, and Kajiado County through March 9 at 7 p.m., raising the risk of flash floods due to saturated ground conditions.

Meteorologists warned that soils across much of the region are already waterlogged following days of continuous rainfall, meaning even moderate showers could quickly trigger dangerous flooding in urban centres and low-lying areas.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to persist across Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado counties, and residents should remain alert due to the high risk of flash flooding in affected areas,” the department said in its advisory.

According to the forecast, most parts of Nairobi could record rainfall totals ranging between 20 millimetres and 60 millimetres over the warning period. However, isolated areas may experience heavier bursts reaching between 80 millimetres and 100 millimetres.

Officials identified several sub-counties as particularly vulnerable due to poor drainage infrastructure and dense urban settlements.

Among the high-risk areas in Nairobi are Kibra, Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Embakasi, Makadara, Kamukunji, Roysambu, Westlands and Lang’ata, as well as sections of Mathare.

Meteorologists said these areas could experience surface runoff and flooding of roads and residential neighbourhoods if heavy rain continues.

Neighbouring Kajiado County is also expected to receive significant rainfall, with meteorologists forecasting scattered to widespread showers across several sub-counties.

Rainfall hotspots in the county could record between 40 millimetres and 100 millimetres, particularly in Kajiado North, Kajiado West and Kajiado Central.

Meanwhile, in Kiambu County, some areas are projected to receive more than 80 millimetres of rainfall, prompting concerns about flooding and possible mudslides in hilly terrain.

The weather department highlighted Thika, Juja, Ruiru, Limuru, Kikuyu, Githunguri and Kabete among locations where heavy rainfall may trigger landslides on steep slopes.

Further east, Machakos County is also expected to experience isolated heavy rainfall of up to 80 millimetres in some areas.

Meteorologists warned that river catchment areas in Masinga, Mavoko, Kathiani, Machakos Town, Matungulu, Yatta and Kangundo may experience flash flooding if rainfall intensifies.

Authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures during the ongoing rains.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid driving or walking through flooded roads, stay away from steep slopes during heavy rains, and ensure that drinking water is properly treated through boiling or other safe methods,” the advisory stated.

The warning comes amid growing concern over the humanitarian impact of the floods after the National Police Service confirmed that the death toll from recent flooding had risen sharply.

Police said at least 23 people have died following Friday night’s torrential rains that triggered widespread flooding across parts of Nairobi.

Security assessments indicate that some of the most severely affected neighbourhoods include Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare and Huruma, where floodwaters inundated homes and forced families to flee.

Other affected areas include South B, South C, Pipeline/Embakasi, Roysambu, Kahawa West, Githurai and parts of Westlands.

Authorities say the flooding has caused major road closures, displaced residents and destroyed property in several communities.

Emergency teams remain on alert as weather experts warn that continued rainfall over the coming days could worsen flooding in vulnerable urban areas across the Nairobi metropolitan region.

ALSO READ: Death Toll From Nairobi Floods Jumps to 23, NPS Says Amid Conflicting Reports

Kenya Met Warns of Flooding in Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado; Rains of Up to 100mm