Weatherman Warns Of Intense Rain This Week, Lists Over 20 Counties To Be Affected

• Director of Meteorological Services, David Gikungu, said the heavier rains expected this week would be accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning
• He warned Kenyans against sheltering under trees and metallic structures to avoid being struck by lightning
• Gikungu also mentioned several counties to be affected by floods such as Kajiado, Bungoma, Narok, Kisii, Kirinyaga, and Nairobi among others

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning for Kenyan residents to remain vigilant as heavy rainfall is anticipated to intensify throughout the week.

The recent heavy rains in the country have resulted in over 160 casualties, displacing numerous individuals and causing extensive property damage.

As reported by KBC, meteorologists predict that the forthcoming seven days will bring not only heavy rainfall but also strong winds, thunderstorms, and lightning.

“Heavy rainfall events are likely to occur in some parts of the South-eastern lowlands, the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, North-western and North-eastern Kenya,” said the Director of Meteorological Services, David Gikungu.

"Those residing in flood-prone areas should stay vigilant, as floods can occur without warning. It is recommended for the public to avoid seeking refuge under trees and metal structures to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning," he further advised.

Gikungu also cautions about the risk of landslides in regions with steep slopes that experience soil saturation. According to him, heavy rainfall events may cause reduced visibility.

Which counties will be affected by heavy rains?

Among the counties expected to receive heavy rainfall are Bungoma, Vihiga, Kisii, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Embu, Trans Nzoia, Nyamira, and Kakamega.

Nairobi, Narok, Kajiado, Kiambu, Machakos, Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Meru, parts of Tharaka Nithi, Samburu, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, parts of Marsabit County around Kalacha, and along Lake Turkana in Turkana county will also experience heavy rains.

Over 70 people killed by floods in Mai Mahiu

Meanwhile, the heavy rains experienced on Sunday, April 28 caused severe havoc in the Kamuchiri village in Mai Mahiu along the Nairobi-Naivasha Highway.

Over 70 people have been confirmed dead following the floods that swept villages and vehicles on the busy highway.

KeNHA urged motorists to find alternate routes since most of the roads in the region became impassable.

What else you need to know about floods in Kenya

• A woman working in Saudi cried bitterly after a house she was building in Mai Mahiu was swept by floods
• A video of self-proclaimed prophet David Owuor warning against heavy floods has emerged
• Comedian Eric Omondi built an ark amid heavy rains to help flood victims

Proofreading by Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copyeditor at TUKO.co.ke