This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
On October 1, 2019, a rare windstorm caught many Kenyans off guard, bringing with it strong winds and power outages to several towns.
The storm, which was a harbinger of the short rain season, caused power outages in Nairobi, Murang'a, Thika, and Machakos, leaving many without electricity.
According to Samwel Mwangi, deputy director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, the windstorm was caused by unstable air and was likely to bring showers and thunderstorms to several parts of the country.
"We are having a bit of stormy weather all over. It is coming in with a bit of rains here and there. There is strong winds and where it has not rained for a while, we have seen dust being carried around by the strong winds," Mr. Mwangi said.
He warned Kenyans to be careful, as the strong wind was likely to blow away roofs, billboards, or rocks, posing a danger to people below.
"Things being blown away could fall on people and that presents danger. For motorists, visibility could be an issue as the dust being blown could interfere with how far one can be able to see," he said.
