This archive report was first published on 8 May 2021.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Nairobi and Other Parts of Kenya ¶
On Saturday, May 8, 2021, the Kenya Meteorological Department (MET) issued a warning of heavy rainfall expected to last up to Sunday, May 9, in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
According to an advisory posted on the MET's social media pages, the rainfall is expected to rise in Nairobi and other areas, with cloudy conditions and light rains in the morning and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.
The counties most affected by the heavy rainfall include Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kisii, Siaya, Homabay, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and Narok.
Residents of these areas were urged to expect showers and thunderstorms, with the MET cautioning that "cloudy conditions with light rains over a few places expected in the morning and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening."
North-Western and Lake Turkana Region, consisting of West Pokot, Turkana, and Samburu, as well as Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Isiolo counties, were also asked to expect showers and thunderstorms.
Similar warnings were issued for Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River counties.
It is worth noting that the MET had previously warned of flash floods in certain areas in late April 2021, with the government urging farmers to capitalize on the heavy rains to plant and improve the country's agricultural and food production.
Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna stated that the food sector was affected by poor short rainfalls experienced in 2020, and that Kenyans should take advantage of programs such as subsidies and early rains to prepare for planting.
As the government, they are committed to ensuring that no Kenyan dies from lack of food, a commitment made by the President.
